In 2005, we were looking for another way to tell the story of an animal whose life is increasingly under siege. The wonderful anthology Shadow Cat served as an early inspiration for this collection. It was within that book’s pages that my initial interest in and research about cougars began. It is amazing what a single book can spark. Marc Bekoff, with decades of field study under his belt, has authored and edited many such volumes, and it was only natural that I turn to him to guide this relative newcomer through the drill of submission requests and acceptances, contracts and sheer knowledge. Thank you, Marc.
Darrin Pratt, our editor at the University Press of Colorado, embraced the idea from the beginning. We are blessed and lucky to have the gift of such enthusiasm and experience to bring Listening to Cougar to life. Tom Mangelsen, the dearest of friends, is ever generous in extending the permissions to use his photograph for our cover. All of Tom’s pictures are taken in the wild, and even though he waited more than fifty years to see a cougar, I can honestly say that his patience paid off. No photographer has a better, more sensitive collection of wild cougar images—or of any wildlife—than Tom. They are a rare commodity in today’s photographic market that is bloated with pictures of captive animals.
This book would not exist without the gifted voices of our contributors. The most gracious of thanks to you who have endured the time and effort required to create Listening to Cougar. It was important to us that the range of voices include all stakeholders, and although state game agency officials may not have been in the position to officially submit their writings, we appreciate your candid conversations, your time, and the fine work you are doing on behalf of this magnificent creature.
A million heartfelt thanks to Lyn Dalebout, who, in her poetic and intuitive way, suggested a title that stuck. To Sue Cedarholm, who has helped me in so many ways during this, and other, projects. To Jane Goodall, a friend from the start and ever a source of strength. To Sara Carlson, and her exemplary attention to detail. To Ted Kerasote, for making the time to put his experience on paper. To Susan G. Clark, and all the advice over the years. To Jim McNutt, who suggested the J. Frank Dobie piece. To Ken Logan and Linda Sweanor, my first mentors—thank you for being there for an endless stream of questions over the years and for guiding us through your Cuyamaca study area so many years ago. To my Antelope Flats neighbors, John Craighead and the late Frank Craighead, who carried the torch for so many years. To Maurice Hornocker, whose work remains an inspiration. To Wayne Suda, who had the courage to include me on a cougar hunting expedition, and the presence to attend the film premiere. Thank you for sharing your side of the story. To Rick Hopkins, who is always available at the drop of a hat, and who possesses a lifetime of knowledge of Puma con-color, without whom we’d be lost. To Corey Rutledge, “cat herder” extraordinaire. To the Buffetts: Howard, Devon, Howie, and the late Susie, for joining us for breakfast that fortuitous morning in Moose and for standing by this species. To Bob Smith, organizational wonder. To Shawn Meisl; because of you I can sleep at night. To Sharon Negri, who leads by example, and embodies the quiet strength and power of cougar in all her work.
Thanks also to our friends and families. To my parents, Beatrice Rose and Oscar Bekoff, for their incredible and unwavering support over the years. To Leslie and Gregg Goodyear, Thiele Robinson, Michelle Jungquist, Andrea Baxter, Cami Runnalls, Elena Luaces Dryer, Sherrie Watterson, Anna Garcia-Graña, Deb O’Neill, Kim Eilian, Rick Smolan, Kia Jam, Steven and Adrian Goff, Chris Papouchis, Joe Pytka, Jack and Dana Turner, Bert and Meg Raynes, Brooke Williams and Terry Tempest Williams, Lee and Ed Riddell, Chuck Schneeback, Derek and Sophie Craighead, Al and Jean Lowe, Charlie Craighead, Shirley Craighead, Chuck and Barbara Herz, Lyle and Amy McReynolds, Rob and Tricia Morphew, Ned and Amanda Pinkerton—fortresses of friendship. To my parents, Webb and Donna Blessley, steadfast in every way. Without the behind-the-scenes support of my first assistant director, Sonny Lowe, this book would have taken substantially more hours, days, and months—thank you.
To all of you who care so much about this animal, and to you who work so hard to champion its place in our world. No matter our perspectives, may we continue to work together to see that this species survives its challenges.
Always, to Spirit. A messenger of the wild, thank you for what you’ve given us—may we do your kind justice.