Before joining the Challenge, Eric spent 15 years working for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks on grizzly bear DNA and population estimates and carnivore tracking. A Missoula native and University of Montana graduate, Eric joined the Challenge in 2013 as the seasonal Range Rider, monitoring wolf and grizzly bear activity in proximity to livestock. In 2016, Eric moved into the full-time Wildlife Coordinator position with the Challenge, spending the winters monitoring carnivore activity, including wolverine, lynx, and fisher, in addition to range riding in the summer. The relationships Eric has built with ranchers throughout the watershed are critical to the success of the Challenge’s wildlife conflict mitigation programs.