Raising Livestock in Mountain Lion Country

Gowan Batist is a working sheep rancher in northern California. Gowan will give a practical, field-tested overview of what it takes to raise small ruminants like goats and sheep safely alongside mountain lions.

Topics covered will include cougar behavior and biology, deterrent devices, methods for physical exclusion, use of livestock guardian animals, and when it is and is not appropriate to accelerate our response to active hazing or lethal action. We will also cover safety tips for pet owners and poultry coops, as well as other domestic animals from horses to llamas to emus. We will discuss science-based strategies for working with nature to the benefit of all concerned, human and animal alike.

This is an online presentation geared towards citizens and livestock produces of El Dorado and Amador County, offered via Zoom, that will include ample time for attendee questions.

The Mountain Lion Foundation's mission is to ensure that these critically important animals survive and flourish in the wild. The organization's work focuses on science-based education, peaceful coexistence with lions, and advocating for protective policies across the United States. Learn more about lions and how to safely coexist with them at mountainlion.org.

About the Presenter

Gowan Batist is Coexistence Programs Manager at the Mountain Lion Foundation. Gowan is a current sheep rancher, sheep shearer, wool spinner, writer and dog enthusiast who grew up outdoors with wildlife in Northern California and is committed to fostering a land stewardship ethic that increases and preserves biodiversity for future generations.

An owner of Fortunate Farms on the Mendocino Coast and member of the Board of Directors of CAFF, Gowan is deeply invested in facilitating positive interactions between humans, agriculture and wildlife. She has a long history of community engagement and education, including receiving recognition for her work from California Farmer’s Guild, American Farmland Trust, Americorps NCCC, and receiving the Sustainable North Coast Award from the office of Congressman Jared Huffman.