Mike grew up hunting, fishing, and trapping in western Tennessee. His interest in wildlife ultimately led him to the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he completed his BS degree in wildlife biology. While at UTM, he helped start the UTM Chapter of TWS. He went on to complete his MS and PhD at Mississippi State University, where he studied bobcat ecology in managed forests. He held a faculty position at Arkansas Tech University, where he helped start the ATU Student Chapter of TWS before accepting his current position as a Wildlife Scientist at The Jones Center at Ichauway in 1997.
At the Jones Center, Mike is actively engaged in research, education, and outreach. His research interests include the direct and indirect effects of predators on prey populations and communities, anti-predator behaviors, and how forest management—particularly prescribed fire—affects predation and predation risk. He currently holds or has held adjunct or courtesy faculty appointments at nine universities.
Mike has been active in TWS for over 30 years and has held leadership positions at all organizational levels. Dr. Conner was recognized as a TWS Fellow in 2014. He, his wife Greta, and their bloodhound Jed live in Bainbridge, Georgia. Their son, Eric, also lives in Bainbridge, where he teaches high school biology and coaches.
