Proceedings of the Ninth Mountain Lion Workshop - Carnivore ...

Demographic and Landscape Influences on Cougar-Human Interaction
in Western Washington
Brian N. Kertson, Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Box
352100, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA,
bkertson@u.washington.edu
Rocky D. Spencer, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1775 12th Avenue NW,
Suite 201, Issaquah, WA 98027, USA (Deceased)
Christian E. Grue, Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Box
355020, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA,
cgrue@u.washington.edu
ABSTRACT Cougar (Puma concolor)-human interaction, defined as a sighting,
encounter, depredation, or attack, is an increasing concern for wildlife managers.
Washington has experienced high levels of interaction since 1996 (>350 confirmed
reports per year) and the Puget Sound region is a microcosm of cougar management
issues occurring throughout western North America. Cougar population increases are
frequently cited as the reason for higher levels interaction, but there is little evidence to
support this assertion. Alternative explanations may be found in cougar-habitat
relationships and the behavioral differences between different demographic classes of
cougar. We are in year Three of a proposed four-year study examining the role of
landscape features and cougar demographics as possible contributing factors to cougarhuman
interactions. Cougars are captured, outfitted with Global Positioning System
(GPS) radio collars, and intensively monitored year-round using radio telemetry and
GPS. All reports of cougar-human interaction within the study area received by the
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife are investigated, landscape features
documented, and demographic information is collected if possible. We are utilizing
multivariate Resource Utilization Functions (RUF), Geographic Information Systems
(GIS), and paired t-tests to examine the relationship of various landscape features and
characteristics to cougar space use, movements, and interactions with people. We are
utilizing ANOVA fixed-effects models and the RUF methodology to examine the
propensity of different demographic classes to interact with people. To date, we have
captured 31 adult and subadult cougars and 21 of 23 individuals (cougars captured prior
to winter 2007-2008) have utilized the urban-wildland interface and suburban
environments to some extent. Preliminary findings suggest use of the urban-wildland
interface may increase in proximity to rivers, streams, and wetlands and that all
demographic classes of cougar interact with people. Research findings should assist
wildlife managers and urban planners with the development of direct and indirect
management strategies and education efforts that work to minimize cougar-human
interaction, improve management, and foster an attitude of coexistence.
Proceedings of the Ninth Mountain Lion Workshop
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