WHO WE ARE
We are a dedicated and diverse group of Utah residents that are interested in mountain lions, their protection, management, and improving our understanding of them. We are not a pro-hunting or an anti-hunting group. We believe that mountain lions in Utah should be properly managed according to science and in a way that values the traditions of all Utahns including hunters, houndsmen, outdoor enthusiasts, and more.
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In order to do our best work for mountain lions, collaboration with all wildlife stakeholders is one of our core beliefs. By working with one another on shared goals, we can accomplish more for Utah's mountain lions.
Our work in Utah began in 2017 with the goal of improving social tolerance of mountain lions through the use of community engagement, education, and camera traps. As our work evolved over time, we became involved with other wildlife communities that were concerned about mountain lions, their management, our understanding of them, their portrayal in the media, coexistence challenges, and public perception. ​
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WHAT WE DO
We partnered with Brigham Young University and the Division of Wildlife Resources on a cougar study that focused on prey selection and scavenging behavior. We also deployed remotely triggered cameras at kill sites to document interactions between mountain lions, as well as other wildlife that may visit a site.
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The crucial information gained from this study will help improve our understanding of mountain lions in Utah, as well as improve management decisions in the future.
We are actively out in the field working with volunteers to collect trail camera footage of our wild lions so we can observe their behaviors and catch a glimpse into the every day lives of these secretive cats. Footage from our trail cameras are used in our education programs that are focused on raising awareness and increasing understanding of the nature of mountain lions.
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We currently have trail camera in the mountains throughout Northern Utah and are looking to expand our survey areas further south in the near future.
ABOUT US
Denise Peterson
Denise studied Natural Resources Management, Wildlife Biology, and Geographic Information Systems at Grand Valley State in Allendale, Michigan. She's worked on a wild felid study in the Peruvian Amazon evaluating wild cat interactions with prey species and the Central Region Cougar Study in Utah. Her work experience includes the Mountain Lion Foundation, Yellowstone to Uintas Connection, and Voices of Wildlife. She is also an experienced wildlife cinematographer, having worked on natural history films such as "The American Southwest" and others that are still currently in production. She is also a contributor to the Wild Cat Imaging Project.
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She's passionate about mountain lions and their continued existence wherever they are found. You can often find her in the mountains checking trail cams and tracking cats!
David Peterson
As one of the Founders, David has been involved with Utah Mountain Lion Conservation since its inception. He is responsible for the safety of the team while out in the field, as well as the technical mastermind that maintains and troubleshoots all of the equipment that we rely on in order to do our jobs. He has over 20 years of climbing experience, two degrees in electronics engineering, and is a Navy veteran. He is a firm believer in the power of education, collaboration, and teamwork to achieve our mission of improving social tolerance and understanding of mountain lions throughout Utah.
Taylor Turner
As a lifelong Utah resident, Taylor brings a unique understanding of the state's dynamic landscape. In addition to volunteering with Utah Mountain Lion Conservation, Taylor works as the Ogden Wet Meadow and Sagebrush Specialist for the Intermountain West Joint Venture. He has the privilege of partnering with landowners to protect and conserve working lands across northern Utah for migratory birds. He holds a B.S. in Ecology/Biodiversity with Honors from Utah State University. In his spare time, you can find him snowboarding, fly fishing, and camping.
Lizzie Wilson
Lizzie studied Biodiversity and Conservation at Brigham Young University. During her undergrad she worked to study mountain lion feeding habits, non-game wildlife use of water sources in Utah, and Boreal owl populations in Utah. She has worked with different organizations to study and conserve non-game species and has become passionate about helping people become actively involved in caring about local wildlife. Lizzie enjoys hiking, climbing, and documenting wildlife through photography.
Bekah James
Bekah is a marketing specialist and creative writer with a passion for our Utah outdoors that runs to the bone.
Raised by whitewater rafters and hiking enthusiasts, she’s pretty convinced that the most exciting things in life involve a whole lot of dirt.
She is honored to join UMLC and their science-backed strategies that not only preserve the privilege that it is to experience our local Utah wildlife, but also the ecosystems and geologic wonders that make our home so enamoring.
