At the next Draper Natural History Museum Lunchtime Expedition program, Luke Ellsbury, large carnivore biologist for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, presents Large Carnivore Management in Wyoming. The free presentation takes place Thursday, May 2 at noon in the Buffalo Bill Center of the West’s Coe Auditorium.

Those who prefer to attend the talk virtually via Zoom webinar may do so by registering in advance at tinyurl.com/44387yu3.

“Large carnivore management in Wyoming is multifaceted and always dynamic,” says Ellsbury. Wyoming’s mountain lions, wolves, grizzly bears, and black bears are monitored and managed by a team of experts working together to maintain viable populations of large carnivores in suitable habitats. The team uses a science-based adaptive approach and proactively manages to mitigate human/wildlife conflicts.

Ellsbury notes, “The Wyoming Game and Fish Department strives to include localized expertise as well as public desires and attitudes in developing objectives and making management decisions.” The Large Carnivore Section provides information and education on large carnivore management and safety to the public all over the state through Bear Wise Wyoming.

In his presentation, Ellsbury discusses the changing population dynamics of both wildlife and people, which ensures that carnivore management in Wyoming will continue to have its rewards and challenges.

Ellsbury began working for the WGFD in 2008 as a bear management technician, and was hired as the large carnivore biologist in Cody in 2012. He was born in Cody and raised with a deep love and respect for the wildlife and wild places found here. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Montana State University in 2012 while dragging a patient wife and three kids along with him.

Carnivore conflict is the majority of Ellsbury’s workload during the year, but he spends the winter months assisting with mountain lion research using his pack of trained hounds. When not chasing down conflicts, he enjoys family, following his hounds, and fly fishing, along with various other outdoor pursuits.

For more information: Corey Anco, coreya@centerofthewest.org or 307-578-4093.