Print

Cougar ecology, tracking, behavior and management workshops offered

Weekly News Article Published: November 24, 2009 by the Central Office

MADISON – Workshops for people interested in learning more about cougars, their ecology, behavior and identification from recognized expert Dr. James Halfpenny are scheduled for Dec. 2-3 at the Department of Natural Resources Crex Meadows Center in Grantsburg and Dec. 12-13 at the University of Wisconsin –Whitewater campus’ Upham Hall.

Crex Meadows Workshop

The session at Crex Meadows is being provided for but is not limited to wildlife and law enforcement personnel. In addition to presentations on origins, ecology, behavior, tracks, scats and calls, this workshop will delve into interactions between cougars, humans, pets and laws. Dr. Halfpenny will present course materials relative to cougar management and students will also learn to evaluate depredation site evidence for clues as to whether the predator was cougar, bear or wolf. Additional presenters scheduled to participate are DNR furbearer ecologist John Olson and DNR mammalian ecologist and wolf expert Adrian Wydeven who will discuss the status of the wolf in Wisconsin.

Cost of the Crex workshop is $115 and includes registration, lunch each day, and workshop materials. Participants are responsible for personal lodging arrangements. Registration must be received by Nov 30. Contact Shawn Rossler, assistant furbearer specialist for details (608) 261-6452 shawn.rossler@wisconsin.gov.

UW-Whitewater Workshop

The University of Wisconsin Whitewater workshop will offer much of the same material as the Crex session but will have an emphasis aimed more toward naturalists, ecologists and outdoor enthusiasts with an interest or need to learn more about this species.

Dr. Halfpenny also will set up sand tables with imprints and participants will get a chance to identify tracks, gait characteristics and signs so that by the end of the session students will be able to estimate the size and sex of cougars and to differentiate cougar tracks from other carnivore species such as lynx and wolf.

On day two, Doug Fendry of the Wisconsin DNR will talk about recent verified Wisconsin cougar sightings and wolf status in Wisconsin. Fendry will also speak about handling techniques including viable capture options and tools of the trade such as radio collars, net guns and dart guns. Weather permitting, Fendry will demonstrate the net gun and attendees will have a chance to try their luck at finding hidden radio collars with receivers.

Cost for the UW-Whitewater workshop is $150 for both days and includes handouts and plaster casting supplies. Lunch is not provided either day, sack lunches are okay. Workshop may also be taken for academic credit for additional cost. Contact UW-Whitewater’s Continuing Education office for registration information (800) 622-0350 or cesevents@uww.edu or register online camps.uww.edu [exit DNR].

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Shawn Rossler DNR (608) 261-6452 shawn.rossler@wisconsin.gov or George Clokey UW-Whitewater (262) 472-5140 clokeyg@uww.edu

View all articles in this issue or check our previous Weekly News Issues.

Back to Top