Cougar Ecology and Cougar-Wolf Interactions in the Southern Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

Authors(s): M. Hornocker, H. Quigley and J. Beecham

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Publication Date: 0000-00-00

Type: annual report

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Abstract: Objectives The goal of this study is to quantify cougar ecology and the ecological relations among the obligate carnivore guild (cougars and wolves) in the Southern Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Specific objectives are to: 1. Document the characteristics of the cougar population, including population size and survival, mortality, and natality rates. We will also compare results of this study with similar data collected on cougars in the Northern Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem 2. Assess the effects of cougar predation on elk and mule deer populations as influenced by the presence of wolves 3. Assess competition and resource partitioning between cougars and wolves by comparing the species' spatial and temporal habitat use patterns and prey utilization characteristics 4. Quantify spatial and temporal interactions between cougars and wolves; and 5. Communicate research findings to state and federal agencies and the general public through annual technical reports, research updates, and presentations. Findings and Status Cougar capture efforts began in January 2001, in the Blackrock Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Six cougars were captured between early January and late March 2001 (4F:2M). One female cougar died of unknown causes on 25 March 2001. One male cougar slipped his collar during July 2001. The remaining 4 cougars were monitored by ground telemetry in the spring and by aerial telemetry once per week during summer 2001. We began capture efforts for our second season on 24 November 2001, and caught 3 cougars (1M:2F) by 31 December 2001. Although we are permitted to capture cougars in Grand Teton National Park, all efforts thus far have been outside the park in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Standard handling of captured cougars involves taking morphological measurements and a blood sample, installing an eartag, giving a tattoo, and fitting with a radio collar. Daily cougar capture attempts will be conducted until mid-late March each year, when grizzly bears begin to emerge from their dens and snow cover diminishes. All radiocollared cougars will be monitored during summer and early fall, and predation sequences will be initiated on randomly selected individual cougars to determine prey selection and predation rates, and to monitor interaction with wolves.

Keywords: animal, mammal, feline, cougar, canine, wolf, Canidae, Canis, Felidae, Canis lupus, Puma concolor, Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, carnivore, predation, population, mortality, ecology, habitat, radio collar, elk, wapiti, deer, mule deer, Cervus elaphus, Odocoileus hemionus, Cervidae