Blackwell, B.F., T.W. Seamans, P.M. Schmidt, T.L. DeVault, J.L. Belant, M.J. Whittingham, J.A. Martin, and E. Fernandez. 2013. A framework for airport grasslands and birds amidst conflicting priorities. Ibis 155:189-193.

Severud, W.J., J.L. Belant, S.K. Windels, and J.G. Bruggink. 2013. Seasonal variation in assimilated diets of American beavers. American Midland Naturalist 169:30-42.

Fleming, H.L., J.C. Jones, J.L. Belant, and D.M. Richardson. 2013. Multi-scale roost site selection by Rafinesque's big-eared bat (Corynorhinus rafinesquii) and southeastern myotis (Myotis austroriparius) in Mississippi. American Midland Naturalist 169:43-55.

Simek, S., J.L. Belant, and B. Young. 2012. Recolonization potential of American black bears in Mississippi. Mississippi Bear Education and Restoration Group meeting, Jackson, Mississippi.

Simek, S., J.L. Belant, and B. Young. 2012. Home range and habitat selection of American black bears in Mississippi. Mississippi Bear Education and Restoration Group meeting, Rolling Fork, Mississippi.

Simek, S. L., J. L. Belant, X. J. Fan, and B. W. Young. 2012. Re-establishment of American black bear in Mississippi: home range and habitat selection. The Wildlife Society 19th Annual Conference, Portland, Oregon (Poster).

The Carnivore Ecology Laboratory (CEL) at Mississippi State University (MSU) seeks to improve understanding of all aspects of carnivore ecology and management through theoretical and applied research. Consistent with the mission of a Land Grant university, we emphasize contemporary problems facing resource management agencies, private landowners, and society at large. Specifically, the mission of the CEL is to conduct scientifically-based research that provides insights into carnivore ecology, conservation, and management to help natural resource agencies, organizations, and the public:

• Understand the biology and ecological roles of carnivores to ensure their long-term conservation
• Integrate carnivore ecology information into decision-making processes,
• Effectively manage carnivore-human interactions to facilitate coexistence,
• Train future professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective managers, conservationists, and scientists.

The CEL is a team of faculty, staff, and students with interests and expertise in carnivore ecology, predator-prey relationships, and carnivore-human conflict. The research program is supported through contracts and grants of state and federal agencies and non-governmental and private organizations. Facilities include a 2,600 m² captive carnivore unit and laboratories which allow the conduct of controlled, replicated research on various carnivore species. The lab is further supported through working-relationships with the Human Dimensions Laboratory and the GIS/GAP Laboratory in the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Aquaculture at Mississippi State, and the Wildlife Stress Physiology Lab at the University of Missouri-Columbia.