Mountain lions have many names: cougars, puma, panthers, and catamount. They roam the wildest corners of the backcountry—silent, powerful, and rarely seen. In this gripping episode, we venture into their world with Dr. Kristin Engebretsen, a wildlife biologist who’s tracked these elusive cats from Florida’s panther lands to the rugged West.
Kristin joined us in the studio to talk about:
- The journey of a scientist turned mountain lion expert
- The biology and adaptations behind their stealth and strength
- The wild tales of collaring and studying these predators up close
- How mountain lions share the landscape with us—and what that means for their future
- Cougar kittens
- Q&A with YOUR questions!
Connect
- Catch up with Hayden on IG, TikTok, and more
- Follow TBM on Youtube, IG, and everywhere else
- Get yer limited-run TBM X Out Yonder Co. merch
Our Partners
- Special thanks to our partners at Shared Pour! Visit SharedPour.com – Use code “BACKCOUNTRY” for 10% off at checkout.
- Special thanks to our patterns at Out Yonder Company! Visit OutYonderCompany.com and use code “BACKCOUNTRY15” for 15% off at checkout.
Credits
- Featuring Kristin Engebretsen
- Produced by Andrew O’Neill with Hayden Sammak
- Intro and Animations by Barry Thompson
- Photograph Contributions for Animation by Carver Weeks
- Additional Graphics by Andrew O’Neill
- Production Assistance by John Stock
- “Welcome to the Backcountry” theme song by Logan Roth, Will Brown, Arjun Dube and produced at Treacle Mine Studios, Phila, PA