Beth Pratt

Beth Pratt, the California Director for the National Wildlife Federation, has worked in environmental leadership roles for over twenty-five years, and in two of the country’s largest national parks: Yosemite and Yellowstone. Her book, "When Mountain Lions are Neighbors: People and Wildlife Working It Out In California," was published by Heyday Books in April of 2016.

A mountain lion enjoys her dinner on Mulholland Drive in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Cyclist Has Amazing Encounter with a Mountain Lion in Los Angeles

Why did the cyclist cross the road? To put some distance between himself and the mountain lion eating its dinner! Known for its scenic vistas, Mulholland Drive meanders through the … Read more

How Much of Yosemite Will Burn in a Fire Fueled By Climate Change?

Last night from my neighbor’s deck, I watched the eerie glow of flames from one of the largest wildfires in California history. At my own house the top of the … Read more

Celebrating one of Nature’s Greatest Engineers: The Martinez Beaver Festival

People line the small footbridge bridge that crosses Alhambra Creek in downtown Martinez, eagerly scouting the water for a look at the city’s star attraction. One young girl starts pointing … Read more

A Mountain Lion in Hollywoodland: Does Los Angeles Appreciate Its Wild Animals?

National Park Service biologist Jeff Sikich stands among a stand of chaparral and mountain mahogany on the edge of a parking lot adjacent to the famed Griffith Observatory. People casually … Read more

San Francisco Airport Marriott Gives a Hoot for Barn Owls

Last year a guest at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront reported a rather unusual visitor to hotel management. People staying at the hotel expect views of the San Francisco … Read more

Facebook Employees Rally Around Foxes—And Earn a Certified Wildlife Habitat!

When strolling through the Menlo Park headquarters of the technological giant Facebook, one might expect to encounter packs of software engineers or herds of hackers, but a skulk of gray … Read more

The Day the Mountain Lion Came to Santa Cruz

As someone who avidly follows California wildlife issues, a tweet grabbed my attention one morning last month. SCPD preparing ATVs to try to force mountain lion out of downtown Santa … Read more

Craig Newmark’s List of Backyard Wildlife

Like many other nonprofit and social media enthusiasts, I started following Craig Newmark on Facebook for his technological genius, witty commentary and dedication to philanthropy with craigconnects and other efforts. … Read more

What Lives in Peter Coyote’s Backyard?

Yes, his namesake animal does wander into Peter Coyote’s backyard, along with a diverse array of critters including skunks, gray foxes, raccoons, and birds galore. His wild menagerie (complemented with … Read more

My Top 10 Frog Photos for Save the Frogs Day

Regular readers of my blog know frogs rank as one of my favorite animals (right above pika and wolves, although all animals are really my favorite). Frogs have fascinated me … Read more