Cougar in the snow. Photo Courtesy PEEC
PEEC NEWS RELEASE
Mountain lions, also known as cougars or pumas, are a vital part of Northern New Mexico’s natural heritage. Join the Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) on Thursday, May 22 at 6:00 PM for “Coexisting with Cougars: Protecting Wildlife While Reducing Conflicts,” a free program held in-person at the Los Alamos Nature Center or virtually via livestream.
As Los Alamos borders prime mountain lion habitat, understanding how to safely coexist with these elusive animals is essential. This engaging talk will explore the important role mountain lions play in our ecosystem, offer safety tips for those living or recreating in lion country, and share practical strategies for minimizing conflict while respecting wildlife.
Event Details:
What: Coexisting with Cougars: Protecting Wildlife While Reducing Conflicts
When: Thursday, May 22, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM
Where: Los Alamos Nature Center (2600 Canyon Rd, Los Alamos, NM) or Online
Admission: Free (Choose in-person or virtual attendance when registering at
peecnature.org/events)
Featured Speakers:
Sarah Milligan oversees wildlife conservation and habitat management in Bandelier – one of New Mexico’s most diverse ecosystems. With extensive experience in wildlife management throughout the greater Los Alamos area, she has worked closely with local communities to promote coexistence with native species. Passionate about public outreach, Milligan is dedicated to helping people better understand and appreciate the wildlife that shares the local landscapes.
Mark Peyton is a wildlife biologist and co-owner of Wildlife Conservation and Creative Design LLC, a company dedicated to connecting people with the natural world through conservation and science communication. Pursuing a PhD at New Mexico State University, Peyton’s research focuses on mountain lion behavior and ecology in the Jemez Mountains. As a previous National Park Service biologist, he is dedicated to wildlife conservation and furthering human-wildlife coexistence and connections with nature.
Whether you’re a hiker, homeowner, or just curious about the animals around us, this talk will provide valuable insight into living safely and respectfully alongside one of our region’s most iconic predators.
For more information, visit PEEC’s website at peecnature.org/events. Stay connected on social media for updates on each week’s activities.
PEEC was founded in 2000 to serve the community of Los Alamos. It offers people of all ages a way to enrich their lives by strengthening their connections to our canyons,
mesas, mountains, and skies. PEEC operates the Los Alamos Nature Center at 2600
Canyon Road, holds regular programs and events, and hosts several interest groups,
from birding to hiking to butterfly watching. PEEC activities are open to everyone;
however, members receive exclusive benefits such as discounts on programs and gift
shop merchandise. Annual memberships start at $35. To learn more, visit
peecnature.org/support/membership/.