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.