Christopher S. DePerno

Christopher S. DePerno is a Professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources at North Carolina State University, serving as FWCB (Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology) Coordinator. He holds a B.S. from Central Michigan University (1990), M.S. from Purdue University (1994), and Ph.D. from South Dakota State University (1998). His research focuses on population ecology and management of large mammals, particularly black bears, bobcats, and northern bobwhite, with an emphasis on predator-prey interactions, habitat use, and urban wildlife dynamics. Key projects include evaluating the BearWise program’s impact on urban black bear behavior and public perception, studying antibiotic-resistant pathogens in wildlife, and analyzing prescribed fire effects on habitat quality and avian species. He has secured over $2.5 million in grants from agencies like US Fish & Wildlife Service and NC Wildlife Resources Commission.

Education:

• B.S., Central Michigan University, 1990
• M.S., Purdue University, 1994
• Ph.D., South Dakota State University, 1998

Research interests span wildlife disease ecology, urban wildlife management, and conservation biology. Notable work includes genomic analysis of Listeria in black bears and spatial modeling of coyote behavior in military landscapes. He collaborates on interdisciplinary projects addressing human-wildlife conflict mitigation and ecosystem restoration.

Grants and Projects:

• $842,186 Urban Black Bear Study (2019–2024): Evaluates BearWise program impacts on bear behavior and public compliance.
• $444,985 Asheville Watershed Urban Bear Study (2016–2019): Assesses urban/suburban bear population dynamics and harvest strategies.
• $316,038 Fort Bragg Habitat Matrix (2014–2019): Connects management actions to population viability for endangered species.

Labs/Teams: Active in the NC State Wildlife and Fisheries program, leading field studies on black bears, river otters, and bobcats. Collaborates with state agencies and military installations on applied conservation projects.