Path of the Puma: The Remarkable Resilience of the Mountain Lion

In this thoroughly researched and deeply felt ode to the puma—otherwise known as the mountain lion and the cougar—Williams, a wildlife biologist in Montana, shares his expertise and passion for these majestic creatures. Williams has worked closely with pumas, fitting them with radio collars and installing wildlife cameras in their caves. He’s also examined others’ research on the species, such as analysis of their DNA to uncover their relation to other cats and chart their historic migrations. His passion for these big cats is unquestionable, as he amusingly shares his transition from working in a low-rent Fort Lauderdale marine park after graduating from college, to seeing a Discovery Channel special about pumas that converted him into a lifelong devotee of the species. Williams writes movingly of the challenges these animals face, many due to human encroachment on their habitats. He makes a strong case for the necessity of preserving—or at least peacefully coexisting with—the puma. He also includes stunning photographs that allow readers to see these majestic creatures in the wild. Written in accurate yet easy-to-understand scientific language, Williams’s heartfelt and comprehensive offering will appeal not only to wildlife biologists, but to nature lovers everywhere. (Oct.)