#954 - Justin Brown

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00

  Justin Brown's Urban Coyote Encounters Transforming Los Angeles Wildlife Understanding

  • Justin Brown discusses his work studying urban coyotes in Los Angeles neighborhoods, sharing personal encounters since moving to LA in 1994.
  • Coyote behavior in urban settings is explored, highlighting their calmness around humans and their adaptability in residential areas such as Burbank and downtown LA.
  • The importance of public perception and coexistence with coyotes is emphasized, with community members expressing fascination rather than concern about their presence.
• 00:03:42

  Insights from the Field: Coyote Behavior, Diet, and Interaction with Urban Life

  • Brown explains how coyotes are protective of their dens during pupping season and how their interaction with pets leads to conflicts.
  • A study using coyote scat analysis reveals their omnivorous diet, which includes fruits, urban wildlife, and human trash.
  • The importance of citizen scientists in studying wildlife interactions and the challenges faced during field research in urban environments is discussed.
• 01:13:47

  Urban Coyotes of LA: Tracking and Feeding Myths Debunked by Coyote Expert

  • Coyote expert discusses widespread misconceptions about urban coyotes and their reliance on human food.
  • The life cycle of an urban coyote, including a lactating mother and her five pups, observed in LA.
  • Calls to animal control regarding coyotes highlight community fears and misunderstandings about these animals.
• 01:56:12

  P-22: The Iconic Griffith Park Mountain Lion Captured in Majestic Photograph

  • Details the famous mountain lion, P-22, known for its presence in Griffith Park and iconic photography.
  • Discussion on the increasing awareness and studies surrounding the urban wildlife, including coyotes and mountain lions.
  • Expert insights into the behavior of urban predators and their adaptability to city life, including interactions with humans.
• 00:18:27

  Griffith Park's Iconic Mountain Lion: Meet the 130-pound Male Lonestar

  • The mountain lion, known locally as Lonestar, has been sighted multiple times in Griffith Park.
  • Lonestar has a unique lifestyle with a relatively small home range of approximately 4,300 acres compared to larger habitats.
  • Despite being a predator, there have been no significant conflicts between Lonestar and park visitors, with his diet mostly consisting of deer.
• 00:25:27

  Farmer's Nightmare: The Explosive Rampage of Mountain Lion P-45

  • P-45, a notorious mountain lion, has been blamed for killing livestock including 37 ducks and a goat on a local farm.
  • A farmer faced backlash for seeking a permit to cull the lion after repeated attacks on her livestock.
  • Efforts by the National Wildlife Federation aim to educate livestock owners about securely protecting their animals from mountain lion attacks.
• 00:27:58

  Mountain Lion Management: The Case of Griffith Park's Repeated Captures

  • Discussion on the challenges of managing mountain lions in urban areas, illustrated by the example of a specific lion in Griffith Park captured multiple times.
  • Insights into the impact of rodenticides on mountain lions, leading to health issues like mange as discussed by wildlife experts.
  • Highlighting the complex interactions between urban environments and wildlife, particularly the role of human behavior in attracting urban coyotes.
• 00:31:54

  Urban Wildlife Conflicts: Coyotes and Their Prey in Los Angeles

  • Exploration of the increasing presence of coyotes in urban areas and their feeding behaviors, including the hunting of domestic cats.
  • Discussion of how urbanization influences wildlife behavior and the importance of community awareness and responsibility.
  • Insights into the health complications faced by coyotes, including potential links to rodenticides and the prevalence of mange.
• 00:36:41

  Dan Flores Discusses Urban Coyotes' Flourishing Population in America

  • Flores highlights the misconception that coyotes need feeding from humans, emphasizing their thriving presence in urban areas across the U.S.
  • Despite efforts to remove them from cities, coyotes have expanded their range and adapted successfully to urban environments.
  • The interview touches on the ecological balance and human responsibility in managing wildlife interactions, especially regarding food sources.
• 00:43:34

  The Dilemma of Coyote Management in National Parks: A Conversation with Wildlife Experts

  • The discussion revolves around the complex relationship between urbanization and wildlife safety, particularly coyotes and their interactions with humans.
  • Experts emphasize the importance of sharing data and experiences with other parks, such as Yosemite, in managing wild animal behavior and public safety.
  • The conversation reflects on the intelligence of coyotes and the need for ethical management strategies to protect both wildlife and public interests.
• 00:46:49

  Dan Flora Reveals Coyote Adaptation Tactics Against Gray Wolves

  • Dan Flora discusses how coyotes adapted their behavior due to predation by gray wolves returning to North America.
  • Coyotes expand their range and increase their litter sizes in response to population decreases caused by hunting.
  • Flora compares coyotes' adaptability to other species like crows, emphasizing their unique ability to thrive in urban environments.
• 00:50:04

  Coyote Encounters and Moose Predation: A Deep Dive into Behavior

  • Coyote bites have been reported in urban areas like Los Angeles, often attributed to human feeding.
  • A Canadian folk singer was killed by coyotes, leading to a study on Eastern coyotes and their surprising ability to hunt moose.
  • The use of GPS collars provides valuable data on coyote movement patterns and helps in understanding their prey interactions.
• 00:56:10

  Mountain Lion Encounters and Wildlife Safety with the Tahoe Ranch Team

  • Discussion about a friend spotting a mountain lion near the freeway with a collar.
  • Caltrans proposes a wildlife overpass on the 101 freeway to aid animal permeability and reduce highway mortality.
  • Insights on genetic diversity of mountain lions, bobcats, and coyotes affected by urban development barriers.
• 01:01:55

  California's Disappearing Grizzlies and Deer Population Management

  • Historical account of the last grizzly bear attacks in California and their repercussions.
  • Challenges in reintroducing grizzly bears due to lack of habitat and large prey needs.
  • Comparative analysis of mountain lion and deer populations and wildlife management strategies.
• 01:13:47

  Darting Deer: Innovative Methods by Fish and Game Experts

  • Experts discuss the use of air-powered rifles for darting deer, specifically mule deer.
  • The technique involves precise pressure adjustments based on distance to ensure effective immobilization.
  • Significant data collection is planned to identify deer movement patterns near roadways for wildlife conservation efforts.
• 01:56:12

  Reintroducing Red-Legged Frogs: A Conservation Challenge in California

  • Conservationists aim to reintroduce red-legged frogs, which disappeared from local ecosystems 30 years ago.
  • The method involves moving egg masses rather than fully developed frogs to foster natural population growth.
  • Emphasis is placed on understanding ecosystem interactions and the importance of biodiversity in maintaining a healthy environment.
• 01:13:47

  Justin Brown's Vision for Wildlife Conservation: Prioritizing Wildlife Overpasses and Non-Toxic Solutions

  • Justin Brown advocates for an unlimited budget focused on wildlife preservation.
  • He emphasizes the importance of creating wildlife overpasses to enhance connectivity in a 150,000-acre mountain range.
  • Brown is concerned about the widespread use of rat poisons, which he believes has detrimental effects on local fauna, including the surprising deaths of mountain lions.
• 01:56:12

  Fundraising Initiatives for Wildlife Protection: The Proposed $50M Bridge Project

  • A $50 million bridge is proposed to enhance wildlife movement and public access between the Santa Monica Mountains and Seamy Hills.
  • The National Wildlife Federation is leading fundraising efforts, including a matching donation offer from Annenberg.
  • Brown discusses the need for habitat protection and sustainable development to prevent future wildlife blockages.
• 01:13:47

  Urban Wildlife Encounters: Coyotes and Skunks in Los Angeles with [Name]

  • Discussion on wildlife management in urban LA, focusing on coyote and raccoon behavior.
  • Exploration of unexpected skunk populations in residential areas, challenging preconceived notions about these animals.
  • Personal anecdotes highlighting the challenges of coexisting with wildlife, including incidents with chickens and possums.
• 01:56:12

  Predatory Dynamics: The Surprising Power of Great Horned Owls and Urban Wildlife with [Name]

  • Insight into the predatory habits of great horned owls, capable of capturing foxes and hawks.
  • Descriptions of various bird species living in the area, including hawks and golden eagles, and their unusual interactions.
  • Reflective commentary on the coexistence of urban residents and wildlife, fostering appreciation for nature's diversity.