The Path of the Puma with with Jim Williams

Step into the fascinating world of mountain lions with Jim
Williams, a veteran wildlife biologist with over 30 years of
experience in large carnivore conservation. Often referred to as
the "ghosts of the forest", in this episode Jim shares
captivating insights about these magnificent predators that roam
the Americas.


Through his remarkable career journey, Jim has championed
wildlife conservation efforts in the Northern Rockies, fighting
to protect crucial habitats from increasing development
pressures. His work has been instrumental in securing
conservation easements that preserve both public access and
wildlife corridors, especially during the recent pandemic-driven
population surge in the region.


The episode delves into mountain lions' unique hunting
strategies, their solitary nature, and their ability to thrive
across diverse landscapes. Jim also addresses common
misconceptions about large carnivores and shares wisdom gained
from decades of field experience. Ready to discover the secret
life of America's most enigmatic big cat? Tune in to hear Jim's
extraordinary tales from the wild and learn why these powerful
predators deserve our respect and protection.


Show notes:


00:03:05 - From Surfing to Conservation


00:04:37 - Diverse Wildlife Management Roles in Montana


00:07:30 - Preserving Land and Sharing Conservation Experiences


00:12:47 - Conserving Vital Landscapes for Wildlife and People


00:16:58 - Introducing the Elusive Mountain Lion


00:20:13 - Risks and Realities of Mountain Lion Hunting


00:24:35 - Respecting the Role of Large Carnivores


00:27:01 - How Wolves Impact Mountain Lion Hunting Patterns


00:30:15 - Ecological Benefits of Large Carnivores


00:32:57 - Connecting People and Place with Xplorer Maps


00:35:32 - Preserving Wildlife Corridors Through Private Land
Conservation


00:41:55 - Coexisting with Mountain Lions in Montana


00:44:46 - Balancing Tolerance and Conservation


00:48:09 - Don't Take No for an Answer: Advice for Persistence
and Positivity


00:49:50 - Prioritize Your Stress Wisely





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Follow the adventures and interviews in real time at
TrailLessTraveled.net and be sure to check out our visual series
on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

The radio version of the show premieres Sunday nights at 6
MST, streaming live online at Trail1033.com & locally
(Missoula) on the Trail 103.3 FM

Why listen to the radio version instead of the podcast? Well,
because the radio version includes music selected by the folks we
interview!

This episode was recorded on location in collaboration with
Xplorer Maps. We want to extend boatloads of gratitude to Xplorer
Maps for their generous support of this podcast and international
outreach programs paired with conservation projects.
#travelpodcast #adventurepodcast #conservationpodcast #podcast






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