There is a cougar field identification workshop, sponsored by the Missouri Conservation Dept., New Mexico Game & Fish Dept. and Cougar Network, scheduled for the Ladder Ranch outside Albuquerque, N.M., March 9 through 13, 2009.

Three radio-collared cougars (mountain lions) roam the ranch, which is in the heart of cougar country.

Anyone with $1,600 to spend can attend, though wildlife professionals are given first priority and the workshop is limited to 10 participants. Biologist Certificate Credit from the Wildlife Society is possible.

The program will include classroom and field work on recognizing cougar signs, kills, tracks, scrapes and trails, and how to differentiate these animals from other large predators. There will be a special focus on the eastern migration of cougars.

For more details, you can go to the blog http://furmancougar.blogspot.com or visit the Cougar Network Web site at www.cougarnet.org.