Arthur Middleton conducting field work on Trident Plateau at the southeast corner of Yellowstone National Park.

Research Bio

Arthur Middleton is the Goertz Professor of Wildlife Management in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management at UC Berkeley, where he also serves as faculty co-director of the James and Cathleen Stone Center for Environmental Stewardship. His research group focuses on the behavioral and population ecology of wide-ranging wildlife, with emphasis on habitat conservation and human-wildlife conflict solutions. Professor Middleton has advised government agencies and contributed to public understanding through major publications like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and National Geographic.

Research Expertise and Interest

wildlife, biodiversity, ecology, conservation, environmental policy, environmental writing

In the News

New Study Reveals How Fences Hinder Migratory Wildlife in the West

Each year, thousands of migratory mule deer and pronghorn antelope journey northwest from their winter homes to their summer homes in the mountainous landscape near Grand Teton National Park. But to reach their destination, these ungulates must successfully navigate the more than 6,000 kilometers (3,728 miles) of fencing that crisscrosses the region. That’s enough distance to span nearly twice the length of the U.S.-Mexico border.

What Drives Yellowstone’s Massive Elk Migrations?

Every spring, tens of thousands of elk follow a wave of green growth up onto the high plateaus in and around Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, where they spend the summer calving and fattening on fresh grass. And every fall, the massive herds migrate back down into the surrounding valleys and plains, where lower elevations provide respite from harsh winters. These migratory elk rely primarily on environmental cues, including a retreating snowline and the greening grasses of spring, to decide when to make these yearly journeys, shows a new study led by University of California, Berkeley, researchers.

Featured in the Media

Please note: The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or positions of UC Berkeley.
January 13, 2021

Migrating Wildlife Face a Devastating Hurdle in the West: Thousands of Miles of Fences

The Fresno Bee
FullStory

June 28, 2019

Study: Elk herds migrate with greenup of vegetation in Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

Billings Gazette
FullStory

Teaching

Courses taught during the three most recent semesters
2026 Spring 2025 Fall

  • Special Topics in Environmental Science, Policy, and Management   [ESPM 290]  [SEM 003]  [SEM 007]   

  • Individual Research   [ESPM 299 - 046]   

  • Group Study - Special Topics   [JOURN 298 - 9]   

For additional information, please consult the UC Berkeley course schedule.