Coexisting with Cougars: Protecting Wildlife While Reducing Conflicts

Mountain lions are secretive and rarely seen, but they are an important part of our local ecosystem. Los Alamos sits on the edge of prime mountain lion habitat, and as more people live, work, and explore the outdoors, occasional wildlife encounters may happen. Fortunately, mountain lions go to great lengths to avoid people! In this engaging and family-friendly talk, we’ll explore the fascinating lives of these elusive big cats, share practical tips for staying safe in lion country, and discuss how we can peacefully coexist with wildlife. Join us to learn how we can appreciate and respect our wild neighbors while keeping our community safe.

About the Presenter:

Sarah Milligan is the Natural Resources Program Manager at Bandelier National Monument, where she oversees wildlife conservation and habitat management in one of New Mexico’s most diverse ecosystems. With extensive experience in wildlife management throughout the greater Los Alamos area, Sarah has worked closely with local communities to promote coexistence with native species. Passionate about public outreach, Sarah is dedicated to helping people better understand and appreciate the wildlife that shares our landscapes.

Mark Peyton is a wildlife biologist, and co-owner of Wildlife Conservation and Creative Design LLC, a company dedicated to connecting people with the natural world through conservation and science communication. Currently pursuing a PhD at New Mexico State University, Mark's research focuses on mountain lion behavior and ecology in the Jemez Mountains. As a previous National Park Service biologist, Mark is dedicated to wildlife conservation and furthering human-wildlife coexistence. 

Admission: Free (please select an in-person or virtual ticket).

Photo: Cougar photo courtesy of Hari Viswanathan