Effective wildlife management and conservation requires knowledge of a species or population’s natural history, demography, habitat use, and potential risks for management action or inaction. Using a combination of non-invasive surveys, telemetry, GPS movement data, and directed experiments, we evaluated the distribution, population vulnerability, genomics, and perceived risk and foraging behavior of Humboldt martens (Martes caurina humboldtensis), an endangered subspecies of Pacific marten. Despite working with a team of esteemed scientists to provide extensive information relatively quickly, exterior timelines and resource limitations required assumptions to be made about the natural history and behavior of this elusive subspecies. We provide historical context, highlight current knowledge and persistent gaps, and provide a hopeful vision for future collaborations. Some achievable goals include being kind, using innovative ways to share data, and focusing on prospective meta-analysis by adopting common protocols.