Steve Torres has been studying wildlife in California and Arizona since
1980. He holds master’s degrees in wildlife ecology and biostatistics
from the University of Arizona and the UCLA, respectively. From 1992 to
2002, Steve coordinated the statewide research and management programs
for bighorn sheep and mountain lions for the California Department of
Fish and Game. Steve continues to be active in mountain lion and bighorn
sheep research and his interest focuses on modeling habitat suitability,
using applied science to establish long-term species and habitat
management plans, and understanding the factors influencing mountain
lion and human conflicts.

In 2002, Steve was invited to join a team of nationally recognized
cougar scientists to develop and publish "Cougar Management Guidelines"
to help wildlife agencies establish a framework for managing cougars in
the United States, Canada, and Mexico. These guidelines were published
in 2005.

To address the growing interest and questions surrounding mountain
lions, he published a book in 1997 entitled “Mountain Lion Alert”.
This book has been updated and is now re-published as “Lion Sense”.
Steve has written numerous scientific and magazine articles on mountain
lions and bighorn sheep.

Steve currently is the Supervisor of the Departments Wildlife
Investigations Laboratory (WIL). WIL provides expertise and support
for investigating wildlife disease or mortality events, wildlife disease
surveillance, monitoring the health status of wildlife populations, and
conducts applied research on specific wildlife populations and diseases.
WIL conducts an annual training program in animal restraint, handling,
sampling techniques, and wildlife diseases for Department personnel and
other professionals.