Kerry Murphy, PhD, is a wildlife biologist whose pioneering research helped shape our understanding of cougar ecology in Yellowstone National Park. As the lead scientist during Phase 1 of the Yellowstone Cougar Project (1986–1994), Murphy conducted intensive field studies to evaluate the ecological role of cougars in the northern Yellowstone ecosystem. His work, carried out under the Hornocker Wildlife Institute, laid the foundation for long-term conservation strategies and provided critical baseline data for comparing cougar ecology before and after wolf reintroduction

Toni K. Ruth, PhD, is a wildlife research scientist whose work has significantly advanced our understanding of carnivore ecology in Yellowstone National Park. As the lead investigator for Phase 2 of the Yellowstone Cougar Project (1998–2006), Ruth focused on how cougar populations responded to the reintroduction of wolves, exploring the complex interactions among Yellowstone’s top predators. Her research, conducted through the Wildlife Conservation Society and Hornocker Wildlife Institute, provided critical insights into multispecies dynamics and informed long-term conservation strategies for large carnivores in the Northern Rockies

Dan Stahler, PhD, is a wildlife biologist with the National Park Service and the lead investigator for Phase 3 of the Yellowstone Cougar Project, which began in 2014. Building on previous research, Stahler’s work integrates advanced technologies—including remote camera systems, GPS tracking, and genetic sampling—to study cougar population dynamics, behavior, and interactions with other large carnivores in Yellowstone National Park. His leadership has expanded the project’s scope to more fully integrate long-term research on Yellowstone's diverse community of large carnivores, prey species, and food web dynamics, while continuing to generate critical data for long-term conservation and ecosystem management.

Wes Binder is a wildlife researcher and NSF Fellow whose work focuses on mammalian population dynamics and predator-prey interactions. As a key contributor to the Yellowstone Cougar Project, Binder has been involved in field-based research aimed at understanding the ecological role of cougars within Yellowstone’s complex predator guild. His work combines data collection, remote camera monitoring, and ecological modeling to explore how seasonal weather patterns and predator diversity influence prey communities. Currently pursuing his PhD at Oregon State University’s Levi Lab, Binder continues to analyze Yellowstone data to advance conservation science and deepen our understanding of carnivore ecology

Justin Duffy is the lead houndsman for the Yellowstone Cougar Project, where he plays a vital role in the safe and ethical capture of cougars for research purposes. With deep knowledge of the terrain and animal behavior, Duffy works closely with biologists to track and tree cougars, enabling collaring and data collection that support long-term studies on predator-prey dynamics and carnivore coexistence in Yellowstone National Park. His expertise and collaboration exemplify the critical partnership between skilled houndsmen and scientific teams in advancing wildlife conservation.

F222 “Nubs” was a GPS-collared adult female cougar monitored as part of the Yellowstone Cougar Project’s ongoing research into predator-prey dynamics and carnivore coexistence. Known for her distinctive short tail, which earned her the nickname “Nubs,” she provided valuable data on home range movements, hunting behavior, and interactions with other predators like wolves and bears. Her collar helped researchers locate prey remains and study seasonal patterns in cougar activity, contributing to a deeper understanding of Yellowstone’s elusive top feline.

Baby Nubs is the offspring of F222 “Nubs,” one of the most closely monitored cougars in the Yellowstone Cougar Project. Born into a landscape shaped by complex predator interactions, Baby Nubs represents the next generation of Yellowstone’s elusive carnivores. As she matures, researchers track her movements, behavior, and survival to better understand cougar recruitment, dispersal, and family dynamics. Her story offers a rare glimpse into the life cycle of mountain lions and the challenges they face in a multi-predator ecosystem.

Andy Adkins is an Emmy Award winning filmmaker and videographer whose work focuses on wildlife conservation and ecological storytelling. As a producer and director of Guardians of Yellowstone: The Yellowstone Cougar Project, Adkins helped bring the elusive lives of Yellowstone’s cougars to the screen, capturing the science, fieldwork, and human dedication behind one of the park’s most ambitious carnivore studies. As part of the M. Freund Photography team and collaborating with the fStop Foundation and Yellowstone Forever, his visual storytelling bridges the gap between research and public awareness, inspiring deeper appreciation for the park’s predator ecology.

Max Freund is an award winning conservation filmmaker and producer whose work blends ecological insight with cinematic storytelling. As director and producer of Guardians of Yellowstone: The Yellowstone Cougar Project, Freund helped shape a compelling narrative around one of Yellowstone’s most elusive predators. Through his leadership at M. Freund Photography and work with the fStop Foundation, he’s been instrumental in supporting field research with remote camera technology and translating scientific data into emotionally resonant film. His work reflects a deep commitment to wildlife conservation and the power of visual media to inspire public engagement.

William Freund is a conservation advocate, filmmaker, and founder of the fStop Foundation, dedicated to advancing wildlife research through visual storytelling and strategic support. As producer and co-director of Guardians of Yellowstone: The Yellowstone Cougar Project, Freund helped illuminate the lives of Yellowstone’s elusive cougars and the scientists working to protect them. His contributions span from remote camera deployment to narrative development, blending technical precision with emotional resonance. Based in Florida, Freund’s work bridges ecosystems and audiences, inspiring deeper public engagement with predator conservation and ecological restoration

Jason Wells is an award-winning sound designer, composer, and founder of Audio Wells, a premier audio post-production studio based in Portland, Oregon. With over 30 years of experience in film, television, and documentary soundscapes, Wells brought his signature depth and sensitivity to Guardians of Yellowstone: The Yellowstone Cougar Project. His sound design helped shape the emotional and ecological atmosphere of the film, blending natural ambiance with cinematic precision to immerse viewers in the rugged world of Yellowstone’s cougars. Known for his collaborative spirit and musical versatility, Wells continues to elevate conservation storytelling through sound.