Should we bring mountain lions back to the Northeast?
Summary
Science Friday host Jane Lindholm interviews Dr. Mark Elbrock of Panthera about reintroducing mountain lions to New England. They discuss the ecological benefits, such as reducing deer-vehicle collisions, and address public support versus political hurdles. While habitat exists, Elbrock notes that agency inertia and a lack of political champions currently stall efforts, though he believes reintroduction is possible.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: NYSCI and Progressive Insurance
Introduction: Mountain lions in the US and guest Dr. Mark Elbrock
Reintroduction as a core American conservation value
Ecological benefits: Ecosystem resilience and reduced deer collisions
Verifying sightings: Exotic pets vs. wild dispersers
Habitat suitability and highway fragmentation challenges
Political will, public support, and agency inertia
Future outlook: Possibility of reintroduction in the Northeast
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