Puma Ecology and Management Program

The Puma Ecology & Management course provides a focused introduction to puma ecology, behavior, and management through a combination of classroom instruction and field-based learning.

Over two nights at Hermosa, participants will examine puma habitat and sign in the field, using tracks, scat, scrapes, and other indicators to support discussions about movement patterns, prey relationships, territoriality, and habitat use. Field observations are paired with structured discussions on population dynamics, research methods, management strategies, and the complexities of managing large carnivores in multi-use landscapes.

Guided by Dr. Travis Perry and Megan Perry, this course connects ecological concepts with applied management considerations, offering insight into how pumas are studied, monitored, and managed. Participants will engage in group discussions, case examples, and informal learning opportunities throughout the weekend.

Participants will also enjoy shared group meals and time together at Natural Curiosity’s historic Hermosa Field Station. Group meals provide a relaxed space for conversation, connection, and informal discussion, all set against the beautiful vistas surrounding the field station. These moments of gathering and rest complement the program’s learning sessions and contribute to a welcoming, community-centered experience.