Naturalist Nights 2016 | Wendy Keefover
Wendy Keefover of the Humane Society of the United States, presents evening about mountain lions. Biologists have documented that apex carnivores are the driving force for both biological diversity and ecosystem function. Carnivores’ behavior literally keep the planet healthy. Despite this, alarmingly, top carnivores are heavily hunted. In Western and Midwestern states, wildlife-management agencies sanction heavy persecution of mountain lions (Puma concolor) also commonly known as cougars or panthers. In recent years, we are witness to a noticeable trend by state wildlife agencies to promote the increased killing of mountain lions in hopes that more native ungulates will be available – for hunters. While the majority of the public appreciates and values mountain lions as icons of the wild, we must convince the decision makers about the necessity of lions in their ecosystems, and gain transparent public processes that includes all voices.
Wendy Keefover has been a wildlife advocate for two decades, working to change policies that harm wildlife. She is the Native Carnivore Protection Manager for the Humane Society of the United States.
Naturalist Nights are brought to you through a partnership between Aspen Center for Environmental Studies, Wilderness Workshop, and Roaring Fork Audubon.
