NOTE: the following information was provided by the organizers of the workshops and presentations. These are not MVFN events.

There is no question about it: cougars are being seen in eastern Canada and some report that cougars are attempting to recolonize former habitat. Cougars found in Ontario may be escaped or released pets, animals dispersed from western North America, or native animals.

Cougar. photo provided by event organizers

On February 18 and 19, 2017, the Lanark County Stewardship Council in partnership with Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters will host two workshops and an evening presentation with Sue Morse, a highly regarded expert in natural history. Sue is considered one of the top wildlife trackers in North America. Since 1977, she has been monitoring wildlife with an emphasis on documenting the presence and habitat requirements of cougar, bobcat, black bear and Canada lynx.

Tracking Workshops, Saturday February 18 and Sunday February 19, 9:30 AM. $30/person; space is limited to 15 participants per workshop. Each workshop begins with a slideshow presentation on Sue’s recent research on scent-marking behaviors. Afterwards the group heads out to experience first-hand how Sue applies this knowledge in the field. Founder of Keeping Track, Sue believes that tracking is a valuable tool in understanding the natural world and in conservation. “Animal tracking is helping people discover, document and conserve key wildlife habitats.”

An Evening with Wildcats, presentation and social featuring Sue Morse, Saturday February 18, 7:00 PM. Sue will present a magnificently illustrated introduction to cougar biology and ecology in a broad diversity of habitats. She’ll provide the latest on cougar sightings in the east. Her presentation will also focus on Canada lynx and bobcats. Besides Sue’s presentation, the evening will feature an auction, finger foods and cash-bar. Join us Saturday evening to meet this amazing tracker and naturalist, learn about wild cats and mingle with fellow conservationists and trackers.  An Evening with Wildcats will be held at the Perth Civitan Club in Perth, Ontario — $45 per person. This conservation fundraiser is sponsored by Lanark County Stewardship Council, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters — Zone F, and Watersheds Canada.

For more information on the events and to register/tickets, please follow this link to the Lanark County Stewardship Council page.