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cougar.webp

Cougars of the Olympic Peninsula: A Weekend Intensive — June 13 and 14, 2026

$355.00

June 13 and 14, 2026
9:00am - 4:00pm

Location:
Northwest Olympic Peninsula

Instructor:
Andrew Stratton


Spend two days exploring the hidden world of the Peninsula’s largest apex predator with Olympic Cougar Project’s Andrew Stratton. This introductory field course offers a rare opportunity to see how cougars shape—and move through—their wild landscapes. Through field outings, guided discussions, and hands-on exercises, you’ll gain a grounded understanding of cougar ecology, behavior, and the conservation challenges they face. We’ll also cover practical, community-focused ways to live responsibly in cougar country.

Topics include:

  • Tracking fundamentals: identifying cougar sign and interpreting behavior

  • Trail-camera use and evidence interpretation

  • GPS tools for mapping territories and movement

  • Reading wildlife corridors in fragmented landscapes

  • Anatomy and interpretation of a mountain lion kill site

  • Best practices for encounters and coexistence

Perfect for naturalists, hikers, land stewards, and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of these remarkable animals.

Tuition:
$355 (includes state sales tax)

Ages:
16+ (minors must be accompanied by a registered adult)

June 13 and 14, 2026
9:00am - 4:00pm

Location:
Northwest Olympic Peninsula

Instructor:
Andrew Stratton


Spend two days exploring the hidden world of the Peninsula’s largest apex predator with Olympic Cougar Project’s Andrew Stratton. This introductory field course offers a rare opportunity to see how cougars shape—and move through—their wild landscapes. Through field outings, guided discussions, and hands-on exercises, you’ll gain a grounded understanding of cougar ecology, behavior, and the conservation challenges they face. We’ll also cover practical, community-focused ways to live responsibly in cougar country.

Topics include:

  • Tracking fundamentals: identifying cougar sign and interpreting behavior

  • Trail-camera use and evidence interpretation

  • GPS tools for mapping territories and movement

  • Reading wildlife corridors in fragmented landscapes

  • Anatomy and interpretation of a mountain lion kill site

  • Best practices for encounters and coexistence

Perfect for naturalists, hikers, land stewards, and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of these remarkable animals.

Tuition:
$355 (includes state sales tax)

Ages:
16+ (minors must be accompanied by a registered adult)

 
 

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR


Andrew Stratton is Project Coordinator on the Olympic Cougar Project, based in western Washington, with 8 years of experience in wildlife research fieldwork. Originally trained in naturalist skills as a tracker through CyberTracker International, holding a professional tracker certificate, which includes a professional trailing certificate and a specialist in track and sign for Western Washington. He attended Alderleaf Wilderness College, an outdoor skills school for two years. He is currently finishing his degree in wildlife and fisheries conservation through Oregon State University. His professional interests include being in the backcountry, tracking, camera trapping, and training working dogs that assist with the safe capture of cougars.