The Cougar Conundrum: Sharing the World with a Successful Predator Paperback – Illustrated, August 13, 2020

As a retired biologist with a passion for big cats, this book was well researched and provided a clear and detailed look at the problems we still have trying to get people and wildlife agencies to understand the importance of this magnificent animal is to a healthy ecosystem.

Dr. Mark Elbroch is one of the top cougar biologists working today and his ground-breaking field research has revealed new insights into the lives of these big cats. The Cougar Conundrum dispels persistent myths and explores new understandings of mountain lion behavior and social relations. Elbroch champions this adaptable predator's essential role in the environment and reveals just how important an understanding of cougar social behavior is to their management, wherever people and pumas share space. He explores the various values and belief-systems humans hold regarding predators, and provides a succinct explanation of how the politics and funding of state wildlife agencies in the US influence priorities and management decisions -- an archaic system with deep repercussions for conservation. Elbroch argues that humans can indeed co-exist peacefully with these beautiful cats if we put aside old myths, employ the best peer-reviewed science, and support decision-making that is fully inclusive and collaborative. Well written and entertaining, this is an essential read for anyone enthralled by cougars or interested in wildlife conservation.

The overall chapter organization seems a bit muddled/confused to me, but since it's not a linear "story" per se being told, it doesn't undermine the usefulness of this book. What really makes this book shine is the focus on the human/social dimension--particularly the funding and "stakeholders" driving the state agencies that determine cougar "management." I'm not anti-hunting (ethical hunting anyway), but as Mark points out...today only about 5% of American adults hunt animals. And yet as Mark explains, hunters are the main (and sometimes only) "voice at the table" driving cougar "conversations" and. The rest of us 95% need to ENGAGE (Mark discusses how) and be a coequal/respected voice during these conversations. Good examples/illustrations throughout illustrating his points.

This easy to read and well documented book tells a captivating story about a captivating large predator. Call it cougar, mountain lion, panther, or puma, this big cat causes consternation wherever it roams. Some love it, and others fear and hate it. It's continued survival depends on those sides working together.I especially appreciate the author's ability to tell all sides of the story without resorting to good guy/bad guy caricatures. As someone who falls in the middle, Elbroch made me think and then think again. That's powerful writing!

This book is exactly what I was hoping it would be! As a trail runner in cougar country, I sometimes found myself overwhelmed and nearly frantic with fear of lurking cougars. Although I know a healthy fear is rational, I knew the idea of cougars in my head was not based in reality, but rather shaped my sensational news. This book helped me re-frame my image of cougars as another species out there just doing their thing, their role in the eco-system, how human behavior may serve to exacerbate cougar/human interactions, and included advice on safest practice in cougar country. The writing was engaging and enjoyable for a non-scientist.

I was referred to this book by bear ecologist Chris Morgan. I was not disappointed. This is an incredibly well written book where science and politics meet. It's very in depth and if you're at all even curious about these animals, this is a must read in my opinion.

A must-read book for any Cougar enthusiast! An inside look at this animal from a human side management perspective and the possibilities for these animals' future by one of the top Cougar biologists in the world. You have to add this book to your library!Do we love these animals enough to change how we live with them, for not only our benefit but most of all for their benefit?