The Wolf Connection (A Wolf Connection® Production)

Wolf Tales is where you'll hear stories from Wolf Connection's staff and volunteers about their experiences. We'll also be speaking with musicians, artists, photographers and videographers about how the wolf has impacted their work.

Laurie has been with Wolf Connection for over 3 years as a volunteer and Program Lead. She is also a mindfulness teacher, parent educator and somatic resilience practitioner.

At Laurie's private practice in Los Angeles, she enjoys guiding youth, adults, and families in overcoming adversity, building resilience and cultivating connection.

Laurie Cousins Website

@mindfully_laurie

Wolf Connection 

Hanna Pettersson is a 4th year PhD Researcher at the University of Leeds. She has a Masters in Biodiversity, Conservation & Management, and for the past few years has been studying the impact of wolves in Spain across different communities.

Hanna discussed the global conversation surrounding wolves as it pertains to social, economical and political issues. She also describes how her research will look to help communities handle wolf re-population in the near future. 

@HannaP3TT

The Conversation Article

Phys.org Article

Hanna Pettersson Papers

Wolf Connection

Raymond Toney is the voice of The Colorado Howl, a radio program that discusses a wide range of wolf topics as well as the wolf reintroduction taking place in Colorado.

Raymond spoke about his journey to starting The Colorado Howl, updates on the wolf reintroduction in Colorado and the effects of wolves being given back federal protections via the Endangered Species Act. 

The Colorado Howl

@thecoloradohowl

Colorado Parks & Wildlife - Wolf Management

Dan MacNulty is an Associate Professor at Utah State University. He has focused his research on the long-term collaborative study of carnivores, ungulates, and woody-deciduous plants in northern Yellowstone National Park since 1995.

Dan went into great detail explaining the impacts of wolves & other apex predators on the landscape, what happens when their numbers decrease, their affect on CWD and their roles in ecosystems at large around Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. 

MacNulty Animal Ecology Lab

@DanMacNulty

Dan MacNulty Publications

Matt Barnes is a Rangeland Scientist who continues to study and apply methods for livestock & predator coexistence management in the western United States.

He is part of the Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative and is an Advisor for the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project.

Matt explained his rangeland management methods, how they impact livestock in positive ways opening the door for predator coexistence including wolves, bears and mountain lions.

Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative

Matt Barnes ResearchGate

Livestock Management for Coexistence with Large Carnivores

Louise Liebenberg has been a rancher in Alberta, Canada since 2008 after immigrating from Europe.

Since she has come to North America, Louise has been at the forefront of coexistence ranching and teaching others how to deal with predators in Canada's wilderness with the help of livestock guardian dogs.

Louise discussed what led her family to come to Canada, her opposition of wolf bounties in the late 2000's, guidelines for successful predator management, and how she reinforces positive messaging around wolves coexisting with livestock.

Grazerie.com

Predator Friendly Ranching Blog

Wolf Connection 

Erin Johnston is a Biologist and Wildlife Lead for the Natural Resources Department in the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC). Austin Ayres is a Wildlife Technician and a KBIC Tribal Member.

Both Erin and Austin spoke about their roles in the KBIC, positive impacts of tribal influence on land & wildlife management in the upper peninsula of Michigan, and the history and current state of wolves in the region.

KBIC Natural Resources Department

KBIC Facebook Page

Wolf Connection

For over two decades Gary Skiba was a Wildlife Biologist for the Colorado Division of Wildlife. He is now the Wildlife Manager for the San Juan Citizens Alliance.

Gary updated us on the Colorado wolf reintroduction, his history working for the Colorado Division of Wildlife and his role in the San Juan Citizens Alliance.

Wolf Posts San Juan Citizens Alliance

San Juan Citizens Alliance

Colorado Parks & Wildlife (Wolves)

Maggie Howell has been the Executive Director of the Wolf Conservation Center since 2013. They are a not-for-profit environmental education organization working to protect and preserve wolves in North America through science-based education, advocacy, and participation in the federal recovery and release programs for two critically endangered wolf species - the Mexican gray wolf and the red wolf.

Maggie spoke about her journey, the Wolf Conservation Center recovery and release programs, and the many ways they educate the public on the importance of wolves in the wild.

Wolf Conservation Center

@wolfconservationcenter

Wolf Connection

Wolf Tales is where you'll hear stories from Wolf Connection's staff and volunteers about their experiences. We'll also be speaking with musicians, artists, photographers and videographers about how the wolf has impacted their work.

Elena Albanese is the Manager of Pack Services for Wolf Connection after beginning as a volunteer in 2016. She and her team oversee the health and well being of the 30+ wolves and wolf dogs at Wolf Connection.

Follow her on Instagram: @elena_ny2ca

@wolfconnection

Wolf Connection

Casey Anderson is the Creative Director of VisionHawk Films, an Emmy nominated filmmaker, explorer and adventurer. Cara McGary is the owner of In Our Nature Guiding Services and has a Masters in Biology.

Both are part of the Wild Livelihoods Business Coalition. Their mission is to give a voice to local businesses near Yellowstone National Park whose livelihoods depend upon wild places. They do this by connecting consumers with their business members who have shared values around open spaces, clean water and air, and sustainable, bio-diverse wildlife populations.

Casey and Cara spoke about their businesses in Montana and the goals of the coalition to ensure local ecosystems stay wild and coexist with all species on the landscape. They discussed the impacts of the recent wolf hunts on both a personal and professional level.

Wild Livelihoods Business Coalition

VisionHawk Films

In our Nature Guiding Services

@grizzlyguy

@wildlivelihoods

@in.our.nature.guiding.services

Daniel Curry joins us once more to talk about the expansion of his business into ecotourism. He is inviting guests to go on guided trail rides, photography tours and be a range rider for a day, all in the name of conservation and coexistence.

**Links to these adventures are below**

Daniel is a range rider who specializes in human wildlife conflict mitigation using non-lethal methods in northeastern Washington. He started his own business, G.R.I.P.H., which helps wildlife and humans coexist on the landscape.

G.R.I.P.H. Adventures

@thedanimalmanimal

Griphs.com

Wolf Connection

Laurie McConnell is the Director of Community and Systems for Pacific Wild. She also is the Wolf Campaigner for Save BC Wolves which is working to stop the wolf cull and resist ongoing efforts to escalate the persecution of wolves across the province.

Laurie explained the dynamics of the Great Bear Rainforest, the history and continuing conservation efforts of Pacific Wild, and describes the sea wolves that live around the province.

Pacific Wild

Save BC Wolves Campaign

End the BC Wolf Cull

@pacificwild

Wolf Connection

Brad Orsted is an award-winning conservation and wildlife filmmaker, photographer and writer. He has spent the better part of a decade sharing stories of the wild through the lens of his camera, podcast and upcoming memoir due out in 2023.

Brad spoke about his photography & filmmaking and how the tragic loss of his daughter Marley, has forever changed the way he views, films and speaks about the wildlife and wild places that have shaped his life.

Brad Orsted Website

Take It Outside Podcast

@brad_orsted

@thewolfconnectionpod

Wolf Tales is where you'll hear stories from Wolf Connection's staff and volunteers about their experiences. We'll also be speaking with musicians, artists, photographers and videographers about how the wolf has impacted their work.

Kacey has been a volunteer at Wolf Connection for almost 2 years since coming on a visit to Wolf Heart Ranch.  She's currently the head of Marketing and Graphics at the Lancaster Museum of Art and History. Kacey is a professional artist that focuses on animation but has been drawing almost her entire life, and some of her drawings include wolves from the Wolf Connection pack!

Check out all of her incredible work on Instagram @kacey_m_art

@wolfconnection

Wolf Connection Website

Cheryl Alexander is an environmental photographer with a focus on wilderness. She is increasing the awareness of the natural world and encouraging a sustainable human relationship with the earth. She has authored the book Takaya: Lone Wolf  that chronicled the journey of a sea wolf on a group of uninhabited islands in British Colombia's Salish Sea.

Cheryl told us about her early work with at risk youth, fighting for conservational legislation, her passion for telling stories through photography, and the legacy of Takaya.

Wild Awake Photography

Takaya's Legacy

@takayalonewolf

@thewolfconnectionpod

Rick McIntyre has been watching wolves for over 40 years, with 25 of those years in Yellowstone National Park. Rick has spent more time documenting wolves in the wild than almost anyone, surpassing 9,000 days in the field with over 100,000 sightings in that time.

Rick joined us to give updates on the Junction Butte pack in Yellowstone, the impacts that recent wolf hunts have had on the packs in the park, and to talk about his newest book The Redemption of Wolf 302.

All of the books in the "Alpha Wolves of Yellowstone Series" are available wherever books are sold.

Meet The Author Greystone Books

Redemption of Wolf 302 on Amazon

@wolfconnection

@thewolfconnectionpod

Brenna Cassidy is a PhD Candidate at the University of Montana where she is studying the recent effects of Montana's wolf harvest on the packs in Yellowstone National Park. Her research is vital to understanding how humans can impact the survival of wolves that live most of their lives inside Yellowstone.

Brenna spoke to us about her love for the outdoors, how she was able to begin working in Yellowstone with wolves and her experiences putting this research together.

@brenna_j_cassidy

@BrennaJCassidy

@wolfconnection

@thewolfconnectionpod

Welcome to the 100th episode of The Wolf Connection Podcast! Thank you to all our guests and listeners who have been along for the journey. Here's to the next 100 episodes and beyond! HOWLS!

Project Coyote is a national non-profit organization based in Northern California whose mission is to promote compassionate conservation and coexistence between people and wildlife through education, science and advocacy.

We spoke with both Michelle Lute, the Conservation Director and Renee Seacor, the Carnivore Conservation Advocate at Project Coyote. They told us about the mission, their individual roles within the organization and how they are helping promote coexistence between humans and wildlife across the country.

Project Coyote Website

Rewilding Institute

@coolhandlute

@rseacor

Wolf Tales is where you'll hear stories from Wolf Connection's staff and volunteers about their experiences. We'll also be speaking with musicians, artists, photographers and videographers about how the wolf has impacted their work.

Renee has been with Wolf Connection for 13 years and is the Lead of Pack Behavior. She has interacted with all the wolves that have come through the organization and shares her wonderful videos & photos from the pack on her social media!

Follow her on Instagram @reneealfero22

@wolfconnection

@wolfconnectionpod

Wolf Tales is where you'll hear stories from Wolf Connection's staff and volunteers about their experiences. We'll also be speaking with musicians, artists, photographers and videographers about how the wolf has impacted their work.

Edward Amaya is a former student who participated in the Wolf Connection youth program. He now works at Wolf Connection as a Program Assistant, mentoring the youth that come through the programs.

@_.greatv 

@wolfconnectionpod

Wolf Connection Programs

Marc Cooke and Kim Bean are the President and Vice President of the non-profit organization Wolves of the Rockies. Since 2011, their mission has been to protect and defend wolves from Yellowstone & the Rocky Mountains while trying to enact positive change for all wolves across the country.

Marc and Kim joined us again to speak about the proposed Montana Wolf Hunting and Trapping Plan for 2022. They discussed the impacts the proposal would have on wolves moving forward, wolf management practices in Idaho, and updates on the Colorado wolf reintroduction.

Montana Fish & Wildlife Wolf Proposal & Comment Section

Wolves of the Rockies Contact (Kim & Marc)

@wolves_of_the_rockies

Arthur Lefo is a French-American wildlife and conservation photographer, writer, nature guide and storyteller. His inspiring visual arts work has captured the attention of global audiences and has been featured by acclaimed outlets such as National Geographic & World Wildlife Fund.

Arthur spoke to us about his personal journeys into photography & guiding, described his experiences while photographing wolves and how he hopes to make a conservational impact with those who see his work and join him on a guided experience.

Arthur Lefo Photography

@arthurlefo

Mother Wolf Gallery (Coming Soon!)

Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary is located in New Mexico, and their mission is to rescue displaced, unwanted, and un-releasable captive-bred wolves, wolf-dogs, and other wild canid species. They provide all rescues with permanent, safe sanctuary and lifelong care through nutrition, medical support, and enrichment.

Katie Forbis, who is the Social Media Coordinator, spoke about her journey to the sanctuary and the overall mission and vision of Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary.

Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary

@wildspiritwolfsanctuary

@katieandthewolves

Bernd Blossey has been a Professor of Natural Resources and the Environment at Cornell University for almost 30 years. His research has involved assessing impacts of deer on ecosystems and how large carnivores may, or may not, aid in ecosystem recovery.  Another focus of Bernd’s work is addressing the responsibility and accountability of humans on the conservation and management of these species.

Our discussion touched on Bernd's early work in Germany, his research on the deer population in the ecosystem and how the perceived impact of wolves across the landscape has shaped our views on them.

Myths, Wishful Thinking and Accountability in Predator Conservation and Management in the United States

Bring back the wolves - but not as heroes or villains (Cornell Chronicle)

Bernd Blossey Bio

Aaron Bott is a Wildlife Biologist and a PhD student at Utah State University studying wolves across the American West. He has recently become an Associate Researcher for the Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative. Aaron's family roots in the American West date back into the mid-1800's where they have lived ever since. 

Aaron talked to us about his family heritage, where his passion for wolves came from and his research that is spanning from Yellowstone National Park to the Northern Rockies.

Aaron Bott Bio

@c_aaronbott

Wolf Connection Website

Ryan Devereaux has been an investigative journalist for The Intercept for almost a decade. His piece titled "Rocky Mountain Massacre", details the events leading up to, during, and after the recent wolf hunt in Montana.

We discussed the article at length, discussing how he got involved in the story and what he learned from his time in Montana around Yellowstone National Park.

Rocky Mountain Massacre

Ryan Devereaux at The Intercept

@thewolfconnectionpod

Bridgett VonHoldt is the Associate Professor of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University. She has been studying ecological epigenomics which address the ecological and evolutionary questions regarding animals adaptations & response to selection.

Bridgett spoke to us about her work regarding the genomic & phenotypic diversity between dogs and wolves, and how captured coyotes in the Gulf Coast of the United States could be harboring red wolf genes in their populations.

Coyotes with Dog Genomic Ancestry

Population Structure and Gene Flow in Grey Wolf Populations of the Northern Rockies

'Ghost' DNA Red Wolves in Texas

The VonHoldt Lab

@thebeeps

Julia Huffman is an award winning independent documentary filmmaker who produced Medicine of the Wolf. Her latest works include the animated story Today As I Run, andThe Wild One, based on an excerpt from Jim Brandenburg's book Brother Wolf.

We caught up with Julia about her recent projects, how she handled the creative process during the pandemic, and how she hopes both films will help the relationship between humans and wolves. 

@directorjuliahuffman

@thewolfconnectionpod

@wolfconnection

Kira Cassidy has been a Biologist and Research Associate for Yellowstone Forever for over a decade. Connor Meyer is a PhD Student in Wildlife Biology at the University of Montana.
 
They are working on new research pertaining to Toxoplasmosis in wolves around Yellowstone National Park.

Kira and Connor discussed what Toxoplasmosis is, the relationship between cougars and wolves with this disease, and the effects of it on wolf behavior.

@kira_cassidy

@connor__meyer

@thewolfconnectionpod

Julie Meachen is an Associate Professor of Anatomy, Vertebrate Paleontologist and Functional Morphologist at Des Moines University. She is the Lead Investigator at the Natural Trap Cave and has been excavating Pleistocene mammals from Rancho La Brea since 2003.

We discussed her research and findings about gray wolves and dire wolves from the Pleistocene Era, along with studies on other Pleistocene mammals and the mummified gray wolf puppy Zhur from the Yukon.

Wolves in Natural Trap Cave

Dire Wolf DNA

Mummified Pleistocene Gray Wolf Puppy (Zhur)

@thewolfconnectionpod

Bridget Borg is a Wildlife Biologist in Denali National Park where she has been studying wolves for over a decade. She is also the Principal Investigator for Denali National Park's wolf and caribou research programs.

Bridget spoke about her research on wolves in Denali, the environmental differences for wolves in Alaska and some of the topics she will be speaking about at the International Wolf Symposium in Minnesota next month.

The Role of Weather and Long-Term Prey Dynamics on Wolf Populations

Determinants of Gray Wolf Sightings in Denali National Park

Bridget Borg Bio

Tom McPherson is the Director of Seaforth Expeditions in Sechelt, British Columbia. They share amazing wildlife encounters with photographers and filmmakers in the hopes that they produce works that inspire and educate the world about the fragility and beauty of the Pacific Northwest ecosystems.

Tom spoke to us about the beginnings of Seaforth Expeditions, his knowledge of the wildlife and ecosystem along the coastline, and the many encounters he has experienced photographing and studying sea wolves.

Seaforth Expeditions Website

@seaforthexpeditions

@thewolfconnectionpod

@wolfconnection

This is the first of our podcasts recorded at The International Wolf Symposium in Minneapolis, Minnesota!

Bridgett VonHoldt, Kristin Brzeski, and Joey Hinton are all co-founders of the Gulf Coast Canine Project. The goals of the project are to understand the genetic ancestry of the unique wild canines persisting along the Gulf Coast of the United States and study how red wolf ancestry affects morphology and behavior.

We discussed their work both individually and as colleagues, and their experiences being at The International Wolf Symposium for the first time.

Gulf Coast Canine Project

Brzeski Conservation Genetics Lab

Joey Hinton Website

@thebeeps

This is the second of our podcasts recorded at The International Wolf Symposium in Minneapolis, Minnesota!

Bridget Borg is a Wildlife Biologist in Denali National Park where she has been studying wolves for over a decade. She is also the Principal Investigator for Denali National Park's wolf and caribou research programs.

We talked about her plenary session that discussed the history of Denali National Park wolf studies, the impact the symposium has on research and collaboration, and what she was looking to take away from her time in Minnesota.

@denalinps

Bridget Borg Bio & Research

This is the third episode of our podcasts recorded at The International Wolf Symposium in Minneapolis, Minnesota!

Taylor Bland has gone from being a wildlife guide in Yellowstone National Park, to a Biological Technician for the Yellowstone Wolf Project. She is also on the Board of Directors for the International Wolf Center.

We talked about the changes happening in her professional life, the impact the symposium had for her and what she was taking away from her time in Minnesota.

@taylorlbland

Yellowstone Wolf Project

International Wolf Center

Conservation Nation

This is the fourth and final episode of our podcasts recorded at The International Wolf Symposium in Minneapolis, Minnesota!

Marc Cooke and Kim Bean are the President and Vice President of the non-profit organization Wolves of the Rockies. Since 2011, their mission has been to protect and defend the wolves of Yellowstone National Park & the Rocky Mountains while trying to enact positive change for all wolves across the country.

We talked about their thoughts on the symposium, the direction wolf management is headed throughout the country and the world, and what still needs to happen to protect wolves and predators in the wild.

@wolves_of_the_rockies

Wolves of the Rockies Linktree

Wolves of the Rockies Website

Nick Gevock does public policy and communications work on a wide range of conservation issues in Montana and the Northern Rockies. He previously served as the Conservation Director for the Montana Wildlife Federation for 8 years and as a newspaper reporter for 11 years in Montana covering wolf issues. 

We talked with Nick about his background as a hunter, his work as a reporter and the history of the wolf conservation debate. He also shared how wolf vitriol and extreme management actions are pushing to privatize wildlife for commercial purposes. 

Ryan Devereaux has been an investigative journalist for The Intercept for almost a decade. His two recent pieces titled "In Reviewing Wolves' Endangered Status, Martha Williams Confronts Her Montana Past" and "The Fight To Stop Republicans From Killing Wolves and Grizzlies" details the ongoing issues surrounding the wolf hunts in Montana.

We spoke in depth with Ryan about Martha Williams, who is the current Director of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, her ties to Montana Fish & Wildlife Management, the status of wolves review for federal protections in the Northern Rockies, and how grizzly bears may soon be removed from the Endangered Species Act. 

@ryandevereaux

In Reviewing Wolves' Endangered Status, Martha Williams Confronts Her Montana Past

The Fight To Stop Republicans From Killing Wolves And Grizzlies

Wolf Sanctuary of PA has been in operation for over 40 years, and is home to over 50 wolves and wolf dogs. Through their guided tours, they seek to dispel some of the common myths about wolves and provide a more accurate and respectful image of this keystone species.

Michelle Mancini, the Education Director, spoke with us about the history and logistics of the organization and the impact they have made in their community.

Wolf Sanctuary of PA

@pa_wolf

@thewolfconnectionpod

Lizzy Pennock is the Carnivore Coexistence Advocate with WildEarth Guardians. Recently, WildEarth Guardians and Project Coyote filed a lawsuit challenging  Montana's expanded wolf hunting program, established by the 2021 state Legislature. The ruling was successful in granting a temporary restraining order against the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the State of Montana, and the Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Lizzy spoke to us about the expanded wolf hunting program in Montana, the details of the lawsuit brought by WildEarth Guardians & Project Coyote, and the impact this could have on wolves across the state.

@wildearthguardians

@projectcoyote

WildEarth Guardians Wolf Lawsuit Montana

WildEarth Guardians

Kristin Combs is the Executive Director of Wyoming Wildlife Advocates. Wyoming Wildlife Advocates informs, educates, and empowers communities to preserve wild legacy, protect shared wildlife and modernize wildlife management across the state.

Kristin discussed Wyoming's wolf management plans, the mission of the organization and the perception of wolves in the state.

Wyoming Wildlife Advocates

@wyomingwildlifeadvocates

@thewolfconnectionpod

Adrian Wydeven spoke to us about the new draft of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Wolf Management Plan. He described what changes have been made from prior years, and the pros and cons of the proposed plan.
 
Adrian Wydeven is a former Wildlife Biologist and Wildlife Manager for the Department of Natural Resources in Wisconsin. He headed up the Wisconsin wolf recovery program that included intense monitoring of the state wolf population from 1990 through 2013. He is currently a member of the conservation group Wisconsin's Green Fire and chair of the Timber Wolf Alliance.

Wisconsin Wolf Management Plan

Wisconsin Wolf Management Plan Draft PDF

Public Comments on Wolf Management Plan **Deadline is January 10th, 2023

Carter Niemeyer retired from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in 2006 as the Wolf Recovery Coordinator for the state of Idaho. He was an integral part of the Federal Wolf Reintroduction in both Yellowstone and Idaho. Carter has authored two books, Wolfer and Wolf Land which can be purchased through multiple book retailers.

Carter spoke about wolves in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Colorado. He explained many of the issues surrounding wildlife in these states and spoke about Doug Smith retiring from his position as senior wildlife biologist from Yellowstone National Park. 

Carter Niemeyer Website

Carter Niemeyer Books on Amazon

Jad Davenport is a Director of Wolf Programs for Churchill Wild, a Canadian company specializing in arctic wildlife viewing. He is a licensed bear guide in Canada, a National Geographic photojournalist, and a member of the Explorers Club.

Jad spoke to us about his career as a photojournalist, the citizen science happening at Churchill Wild involving wolves and polar bears, and the unique way these species are coexisting in the Arctic.

**Click the link below to view the photo we talk about during this podcast**
Wolf Photo From Jad Davenport

Jad Davenport Website

Churchill Wild Website

@jaddavenport

Cassi Camara is a Graduate Researcher for the Center for Human Carnivore Coexistence at Colorado State University. Cassi was a presenter at the International Wolf Symposium discussing the media portrayal of wolf reintroduction in Colorado.

She explained the messaging strategies used for both sides of the wolf reintroduction debate, how those messages influenced peoples final vote on Prop 114 and her personal background working with the public educating about human-carnivore coexistence.

The Center for Human-Carnivore Coexistence

Human Dimensions of Natural Resources

C.Camara@colostate.edu

Matt Barnes is a Rangeland Scientist who continues to study and apply methods for livestock & predator coexistence management in the western United States. He is part of the Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative and is an Advisor for the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project.

Courtney Vail is the Campaign Director for Oceanic Preservation Society, an Advisor for the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project and has been a Senior Policy Professional for conservation and animal welfare for over 30 years.

Matt and Courtney discussed the draft of the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Wolf Management Plan that was released in early December and gave their insights on the plan as it currently stands.

Colorado Wolf Management Plan (Draft)

Comment Form for Colorado Wolf Management Plan **Comments due by February 22, 2023**

Listen to the meetings via Colorado Parks and Wildlife YouTube Channel

Recordings for each meeting will be posted on CPW Commission Website

Oceanic Preservation Society - Courtney Vail

Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative - Matt Barnes

Rocky Mountain Wolf Project - Matt and Courtney

Georgina De Caigny is the Founder and Executive Director of Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary in Alberta, Canada. The sanctuary was founded in 2011 and currently has 43 permanent residents.

We spoke with Georgina about her journey to starting Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, the challenges they face, and  how they look to educate others in the wolfdog world.

Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary Website

Between Wolf and Dog Documentary

Wolfdog Awareness Website

@yamnuskawdsanct

@wolfdogawareness

Kaija Klauder is the Lead Technician for the Denali National Park and Preserve Wolf and Caribou Research Projects. She presented her research related to Scavenging Patterns and Habitat Selections of Carnivores in the Subarctic at the International Wolf Symposium in October 2022.

Kaija discussed her passion for working with carnivores since a young age, the research she presented at the symposium, and the social, political, and climatic issues surrounding wolves and other carnivores in Denali.

Wolves in Denali National Park and Preserve

Research on Wolves in Denali

Kirk Robinson is the Founder and Executive Director of the Western Wildlife Conservancy. It works to preserve and protect native wildlife species through research, education, and advocacy with a focus on the needs of large carnivores.
The organization envisions holistic, ecologically-based wildlife management guided by an ethical respect for the beauty of healthy ecosystems and the intrinsic value of all creatures, and wildlife governance that treats wildlands and wildlife as a public trust.

Kirk spoke about his journey in starting the Western Wildlife Conservancy, and how social, political and cultural legacies impact wolves, wildlife and public lands in Utah.

Western Wildlife Conservancy

Wildlife For All

@westernwildlifeconservancy

Kira Cassidy has been a Biologist and Research Associate for Yellowstone Forever for over a decade. Kira, along with 13 others, co-authored the paper Human Caused Mortality Triggers Wolf Pack Instability covering 5 National Parks across the U.S.

This research talks about the extent of human caused mortality on wolf packs, pack persistence and reproduction. Kira discussed the process of putting this paper together and the findings that were discovered. 

Human Caused Mortality Triggers Wolf Pack Instability

Earth.com Article

@kira_cassidy

Jim and Jo Stanko's ranch has been in the family since 1907 near Steamboat Springs, Colorado. They utilize several conservation initiatives on their land, along with placing 143 acres into a conservation easement which is home for several wildlife species. They have received the Leopold Conservation Award for their efforts.

Jo Stanko discussed the history, daily operations, and the dynamics surrounding the ranch. She delved into their conservation efforts, teaching methods of coexistence and the issues surrounding the wolf reintroduction on the Western Slope.

 Sand County Foundation Stanko Ranch

Jo Stanko Appointed to New Job with Department of Agriculture

Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan DRAFT

Wolf Hollow was founded 35 years ago by Paul Soffron in Ipswich, Massachusetts. Today, the original mission is carried on by his family, the staff and the volunteers which states, “To preserve the wolf in the wild, through education and exposure.”

Zee Soffron is the Facility and Program Director at Wolf Hollow. He spoke about the beginnings of Wolf Hollow with his father, the goal and mission of the organization, and the day-to-day operations.

 Wolf Hollow Website

@wolf_hollow_ma

Erica Berry is the author of Wolfish: Wolf, Self, and the Stories We Tell About Fear. This is her first novel which is available on Amazon and other book retailers, as well as all audiobook platforms.

She shared in depth about the influence wolves had on her while writing Wolfish, the impact she hopes the book will make, and the personal experiences she encountered during the process.

Wolfish on Amazon

@ericajberry

@macmillanusa

Garrick Dutcher is the Research & Program Director for Living with Wolves. He has been working on wolf related education in Idaho for over 20 years.

Living with Wolves is dedicated to engaging the public worldwide in education, outreach and research to promote truth and understanding about wolves, while encouraging coexistence and inspiring people to take action to protect them.
 
Garrick spoke about the policies that are influencing wolf management in Idaho, the misconceptions surrounding wolves, and what people should expect to see in the Idaho Wolf Management Plan when it is released.

Living With Wolves

@living_w_wolves

Idaho Wolf Management Plan (DRAFT)

Marc Cooke and Kim Bean are the President and Vice President of the non-profit organization Wolves of the Rockies. Since 2011, their mission has been to protect and defend the wolves of Yellowstone National Park & the Rocky Mountains while trying to enact positive change for all wolves across the country.

They spoke to us about wolf and grizzly bear bills being proposed in the Montana legislature, as well as the impact of these bills should they be voted into law.

Wolves of the Rockies

@wolves_of_the_rockies

@thewolfconnectionpod

This is a recording of the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies event that took place in Aspen, Colorado on Wednesday, March 15th, 2023.

The event starts with a presentation by keynote speaker Joanna E. Lambert, PhD, who is a Professor of Environmental Studies at the University of Colorado – Boulder.

The presentation was followed up with a panel discussion moderated by John Calfa and included Matt Barnes, Gary Skiba, Karin Vardaman, Lenny Klinglesmith and Matt Yamashita. They discussed the concerns and realities surrounding wolf reintroduction, while explaining solutions to those issues brought up by the community.

@acesaspen

@mattk.barnes

Coexistence with Wolves in Colorado

ACES Website

@rockymtnwolf

Rachel Tilseth is the Producer & Director and Manish Bhatt is the Associate Producer of People & Wolves: A Wisconsin Story Mired in Political Intrigue. The film tells the story of Wisconsin’s gray wolves, the controversies surrounding them, and how people learn to coexist as these native predators are finally back on the landscape after nearly 45 years.

Rachel and Manish both spoke about the filmmaking process, the impact these issues have had on them personally, and what they are looking to achieve with the films message.

Wolves of Douglas County Website

People & Wolves Trailer

Donate to the Film

@peopleandwolves

Julia Cook is a wildlife photographer based in Wyoming who is currently finishing her degree in Environmental and Natural Resources. She has an incredible portfolio, capturing images from wildlife in and around Yellowstone National Park ranging from bears to wolves.

Julia spoke about her upbringing near Yellowstone, the influence that the natural environment has had on her photography, and the message she tries to convey with her photos to the community at large.

**For this episode we spoke about 3 specific wolf photos of Julia's. Click the links in the description to hear her stories on each one!**

Wolf Photo 1

Wolf Photo 2

Wolf Photo 3

@julia.littlelightningnature

Little Lightning Nature Website

Emily Renn is the Executive Director of the Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project, and Erin Hunt is the Managing Director for Lobos of the Southwest. Both were heavily involved in celebrating and promoting the 25th Anniversary of the Mexican Gray Wolf being reintroduced into the wild.

Emily and Erin spoke in depth about the challenges this specific population of wolf encounters politically, socially and geographically, the background of both their organizations, and the ways they are promoting positive information distribution about Mexican Gray Wolves.

Lobos Of the Southwest

Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project

@gcwolfrecovery

@lobosofthesouthwest

The short film 'Almost Ancestors' illustrates the parallel paths of displacement experienced by Mexican gray wolves and indigenous peoples.

Sheila Hollow Horn is Dineh and Oglala Lakota, and was born and raised in Tuba City on the Navajo and Hopi reservations. Sheila has numerous Hopi family members and  plays the lead role of the Hopi Daughter in 'Almost Ancestors'.

Bertram Tsavadawa grew up in his family home on the plaza in the village of Old Oraibi and has been guiding tours on Hopi lands for over 15 years. Bertram plays the Hopi Uncle in 'Almost Ancestors'.

Sheila and Bertram talked about their backgrounds, cultural impacts throughout their life and the messages they hoped the film would convey to the public.

Almost Ancestors Trailer

Almost Ancestors Information

Lobos of the Southwest 

Amanda Beer is the Director of Programs for Wolf Connection. She joined John and Stephen to discuss the new multimedia educational platform for youth called "Wolf Lessons for Human Lives", which was a project years in the making. 

This platform is meant to bring Wolf Connection's signature empowerment program to the internet and beyond!

Amanda, John & Stephen discussed their overall  involvement in the project, the message and vision of the program, and how everyone can get involved as a tester, partner, and collaborator.

For more information www.wolflessons.org

Email: wolflessons@wolfconnection.org

@wolfconnection

@thewolfconnectionpod

Tom Walker has been living near Denali National Park in Alaska for nearly 60 years. He is an award winning photographer and writer specializing in Alaska's natural history and wildlife. His latest book, The Wanderer: An Alaska Wolf's Final Journey, details the epic journey of Wolf 258, as he traveled nearly 3,000 miles in less than 6 months.

Tom discussed his process when writing this book, the incredible terrain and obstacles on Wolf 258's trek, and the impacts of politics, climate, and social tolerance that were surrounding this story.

The Wanderer: An Alaska Wolf's Final Journey  is published by Mountaineers Books and can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Audible and local book stores.

@mtnbooks

Tom Walker Website

Mountaineers Books Website

Kurt Holtzen has been a Field Advisor and a Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Specialist for nearly 20 years. He assists with predator coexistence at Lava Lake Lamb in Idaho and is a Conflict Reduction Consortium for the Western Landowner Association.

Kurt explained his techniques on preventing predation among livestock, updated us on his endeavors in Colorado ahead of wolf reintroduction, and spoke about new tools he has created to help reduce wolf-livestock depredation.

@wilderness_trails_project

Lava Lake Lamb Website

Squawk Box Demonstration

Matt Yamashita has been with Colorado Parks and Wildlife for 17 years. He is currently the Supervisor and Area 8 CPW Wildlife Manager for the agency and was
recently invited to take part on the panel discussion at the ACES event, 'Living with Wolves: Coexistence in Colorado' in Aspen.

Listen to the event here! 

Matt spoke to us about his background at CPW, delved extensively into the wolf reintroduction coming up soon in and the many contributing factors surrounding the process.

Wolves in Colorado & Wolf Management Plan (CPW)

@coparkswildlife

Anna Maziuk is a Polish journalist  and author that specializes in nature writings. She also conducts creative workshops for children and adults, often inspired by natural phenomena and direct contact with nature in all its forms. Since 2014, she has dedicated her life to telling the stories of wolves.

Anna's book Instynkt, About Wolves in Polish Forests, discusses the social, cultural and legal issues surrounding wolves in Poland.

She spoke about her childhood growing up near forests and nature, how she got into journalism, when wolves became her life's work, and the complicated relationship wolves have with people in Poland.

@anna_maziuk

Welcome to our 150th episode!
 Stephen Rivera and John Calfa preview the Yellowstone Wolf Summit taking place in Montana June 21st through June 23rd, discuss the speakers coming to the event, and talk about incredible content that will be shared from that week.

Follow us on our Instagram for stories, content and posts throughout the summit and feel free to DM us: @thewolfconnectionpod

Email us your questions for potential guests in Yellowstone! podcast@wolfconnection.org

This is the first of our podcasts recorded at The 2023 Yellowstone Wolf Summit in Gardiner, Montana!

Garrick Dutcher is the Research & Program Director for Living with Wolves. He has been working on wolf related education in Idaho for over 20 years.

Living with Wolves is dedicated to engaging the public worldwide in education, outreach and research to promote truth and understanding about wolves, while encouraging coexistence and inspiring people to take action to protect them.

Garrick spoke to us about his presentation and thoughts on the summit, as well as ways to help coexistence with wolves in Idaho.

Living With Wolves Website

@living_w_wolves

@thewolfconnectionpod

Wolves of the Rockies Website

This is the second podcast recorded at The 2023 Yellowstone Wolf Summit in Gardiner, Montana!

Kristin Combs is the Executive Director of Wyoming Wildlife Advocates, which informs, educates, and empowers communities to preserve wild legacy, protect shared wildlife and modernize wildlife management across the state.

Kristin  discussed her presentation, her thoughts on the summit and coexistence measures for wolves moving forward.

@wyomingwildlifeadvocates

Wyoming Wildlife Advocates

@wolves_of_the_rockies

@thewolfconnectionpod

This is the third and final podcast recorded at The 2023 Yellowstone Wolf Summit in Gardiner, Montana!

Doug Smith recently retired as the Senior Wildlife Biologist in Yellowstone National park after 28 years of service where he supervised the wolf, elk, and bird programs. Doug has studied wolves for 44 years, done over 2,000 interviews, and appeared on numerous documentaries about wolves and birds for National Geographic, BBC, and CBS 60 Minutes. He is a member of the Mexican Wolf Recovery Team, the Re-Introduction Specialist Group, and the Canid Specialist Group for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Doug spoke about his career at Yellowstone National Park, his passion for wolves, stories from his time at the wolf project, and how he's continuing to fight for wolves on the landscape since his retirement.

Bozeman Daily Chronicle

The Intercept - Doug Smith

Candace Dyar is a nature and conservation photographer, educator, wildlife & wolf advocate based in Washington State for nearly two decades. Her work has captured the attention of global audiences and been featured by acclaimed outlets such as World Wildlife Fund and The Weather Channel / Pattrn.

Candace shared some of her incredible wolf photos and the stories behind them! She also spoke about her background, and the impact her photos have made on people around her.

Candace Dyar Photography

@candacedyar

@thewolfconnectionpod

Joanna Lambert is a Professor of Environmental Studies and Faculty in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology for the University of Colorado, Boulder. She has been teaching for over 25 years. Her research has covered primates in Africa, wolves in the Rocky Mountain West, and animals as they adapt to human based landscapes. She is also the Senior Science Advisor for the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project.

Joanna spoke to us about wolves in her research, their relationship with humans over time, and shared more information about the upcoming wolf reintroduction in Colorado.

@joanna.e.lambert

Joanna Lambert Website

Lambert Lab

@thewolfconnectionpod

Katie Jackson is a freelance writer who covers adventure travel, camping, national parks, and outdoor gear, that has been featured in Outside Magazine and USA Today.
She recently published an essay in Outside Magazine titled: My Rancher Parents Hate Wolves. I Took Them on a Wolf-Watching Tour in Yellowstone to Change Their Minds.

She talked with us about her upbringing in a ranching family, the career she's built as a freelance writer, and how she looked to bring two differing views on wolves together.

My Rancher Parents Hate Wolves. I Took Them on a Wolf-Watching Tour in Yellowstone to Change Their Minds.

@katietalkstravel

@thewolfconnectionpod

Dave Stalling is a former Force Recon Marine who has deeper understanding of what it means to be part of the natural world. He was the former conservation writer for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundations - Bugle Magazine for a decade. He has also worked for the U.S. Forest Service, the National Wildlife Federation, Trout Unlimited and is a past President of the Montana Wildlife Federation. 

He now serves on the Advisory Committee for Wildlife for All.  

Dave spoke about his deep passion for Grizzly Bears, nature, and all predators including wolves. He went in depth about the beliefs within his hunting circles and communities, which led to his departure from several organizations, and why wildlife management practices need to change.

Dave Stalling Wildlife For All

@thewolfconnectionpod

**UPDATE** Shortly after we recorded this episode, an Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife kill order for the Five Points Pack, claimed the lives of 4 wolves from that pack. That order has been lifted, however another kill order was issued for the Lookout Mountain Pack for up to two wolves. These orders were issued due to livestock depredations and conflicts.

Updates on these lethal removal orders from Oregon Department of Fish Wildlife can be seen here also follow John Marchwick on Twitter (X) for more information @JohnMarchwick

John Marchwick is a multi-generational Montanan who grew up in the Greater Yellowstone area, and as a young child he was taught to have a hatred towards wolves.

However, at 15 years old, wolf OR-54 whom he learned about from a family relative in California, began to change his perception of wolves. He is currently a sophomore at Cal Poly Humboldt majoring in wildlife management and conservation, and hopes one day to become a wolf biologist.

We first heard about John's story at the Yellowstone Wolf Summit in Gardiner, Montana. He spoke candidly about his upbringing, the ways he was taught to dislike wolves, and how he became a wolf advocate on multiple fronts. 

@thewolfconnectionpod

California Wolf Watch

Michelle Lute is the Co-Executive Director for Wildlife For All, whose mission is to reform wildlife management in the U.S. to be more democratic, compassionate and focused on protecting wild species and ecosystems. She is a conservation scientist and advocate with nearly twenty years experience in biodiversity conservation on public and private lands around the globe.

Michelle spoke about the efforts of Wildlife For All, the impacts of wildlife management on wolves and other predators, and how collaboration could be the key to reach solutions for wildlife and wild lands.

@wildlife.for.all

@coolhandlute

Wildlife For All

@thewolfconnectionpod

John E. Marriott has been photographing wildlife for over 30 years and has authored multiple books on wolves, bears and national parks. He is involved in Canadian conservation issues with his non-profit organization, EXPOSED Wildlife Conservancy, which provides ethical and science-based solutions to solve the most pressing wildlife management challenges today.

John spoke at length about his experiences as a young, up and coming photographer, his wolf books, The Kootenay Wolves: Five Years Following a Wild Wolf Pack and The Pipestone Wolves: The Rise and Fall of a Wolf Family, and his conservation efforts in Canada's wilderness.

John E. Marriott Website

Exposed Wildlife Conservancy

@johnemarriott

@thewolfconnectionpod

Brad Orsted is an award-winning wildlife and conservation filmmaker/photographer, author, speaker and wilderness therapy instructor. Brad’s first memoir, Through the Wilderness: My Journey of Redemption and Healing in the American Wild, is out now and available for purchase in all places where books are sold.

He spoke to us about his process of writing his memoir, his feelings surrounding its release to the public, and the message he hopes it conveys to those who read it.

Brad Orsted Website

@brad_orsted

@thewolfconnectionpod

Claire Davis is the Founder of Washington Wildlife First and Animal & Earth Advocates, a Seattle-area law firm that brings public interest litigation on behalf of animals, wildlife, and the environment.

Washington Wildlife First is the only Washington nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to monitoring and reforming the state agency that is supposed to protect the state's fish and wildlife.

Claire spoke about the mission for Washington Wildlife First, the issues surrounding the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the disconnect between the people of Washington, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife practices.

Washington Wildlife First

@wawildlifefirst

@thewolfconnectionpod

Ben Bluhm has been photographing wildlife for over 3 years and volunteers with Utah Mountain Lion Conservation. He has used some of his photos to help non-profit organizations with visual storytelling and promoting their missions.

Ben spoke to us about some of his incredible wolf photos, and how he's helping with causes related to conservation and preservation of wildlife in the western U.S.

**To view the photos we discuss in this episode, find @thewolfconnectionpod or @wolfconnection on Instagram and follow along!**

@benbwildlife

@thewolfconnectionpod

@wolfconnection 

Mario Canseco is the President of Research Co. since 2018, and has analyzed and conducted public opinion research since 2003. He has been working with The Fur-Bearers, whose mission is to protect fur-bearing animals through conservation, advocacy, research, and education since 2013 collecting gray wolf public opinion research.

The Fur-Bearers have collaborated with researchers Stephanie Rutherford, PhD (Associate Professor, Trent University) and Valli Fraser-Celin, PhD (Independent Researcher) to understand Canada’s perceptions and attitudes towards wolves.

Mario spoke about the results of the survey, which explored what Canadians know about wolves, how they feel about these animals, and what would motivate people to protect wolves.

Canadian Wolf Survey Results

The Fur-Bearers Website: Social Landscape of Wolves

@furbearers

@thewolfconnectionpod

Monica Stahlmann is the author of Trumpet the Miracle Wolf Pup book series.

Clint Burson is the Strategic Communications Manager for LightHawk Conservation Flying, and Brooke George is their Wildlife Program Manager.

LightHawk has flown many endangered species across the country that are in active recovery programs in the wild, including Mexican Gray and Red Wolves.

Monica shared updates on her book series, and provided exciting information on the wolf named Trumpet and her pups!

Clint and Brooke explained the mission of LightHawk, the planning that goes into flying different animal species, and how they've helped transport Mexican Gray Wolves to their natural habitat.

LightHawk Conservation Flying

@lighthawk_org

Trumpet the Miracle Wolf Pup Book Series on Amazon

@thewolfconnectionpod

Erik Molvar is the Executive Director for Western Watersheds Project.

The mission of Western Watersheds Project (WWP) is to protect and restore western watersheds and wildlife through education, public policy initiatives, and legal advocacy. He is the author of 16 hiking guidebooks and backpacking techniques manuals for national parks and wilderness areas spanning the West from Alaska to Arizona.

Erik spoke about the history of wolves throughout the United States, the conflicts they face with the ranching industry today, and the ways he and WWP is fighting to protect wolves throughout the United States.

@westernwatershedsproject

Western Watersheds Project

Cowboy State Daily Letter to the Editor

@thewolfconnectionpod

Zach Lee is currently based in North Carolina and has been a photographer for nearly 7 years. He has worked on photographing Red Wolves for conservation efforts and informing the public about their endangered status.

Zach spoke to us about his journey to North Carolina, how he become involved photographing Red Wolves, and how he helps local NGO's in spreading information about the species.

@zachlee.jpg

@thewolfconnectionpod

Kim Wheeler has been the Executive Director of Red Wolf Coalition for 18 years. The Red Wolf Coalition (RWC) advocates for the long-term survival of red wolf populations by teaching about the red wolf, fostering public involvement in red wolf conservation and envisions the long-term survival of free ranging, self-sustaining red wolf populations at three or more sites.

Kim spoke to us about her journey to Red Wolf Coalition, the state of the Red Wolf population today, and the long-term mission for the species.

Red Wolf Coalition Website

@redwolfcoalition

@thewolfconnectionpod

Eric Odell is the Wolf Conservation Manager for Colorado Parks & Wildlife, and has worked within the agency since 2000. In this role, he directs conservation and management programs to aid in the establishment and protection of native, non-game carnivore species to the state.

Eric went into great detail about the wolf reintroduction plan in Colorado, gave updates on where the wolves are coming from, and discussed all the factors leading up to the first release of wolves onto the landscape.

Colorado Parks & Wildlife - Wolves

@coparkswildlife

Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan FINAL 2023

@thewolfconnectionpod

For over a decade, Ronan Donovan has been a Conservation Filmmaker & Photographer. His work has included studying chimpanzees in Uganda, to wolves in Yellowstone National Park and the Arctic. His visual storytelling, speaking engagements, and photography exhibits have continued his pursuit of conservation for animals on the human dominated landscape.

Ronan spoke about his journey from wildlife biologist to filmmaker, how his experiences with wolves have shaped his visual storytelling, and the many avenues he promotes educational information for the public.

@ronan_donovan

Ronan Donovan Website

High Desert Museum Bend, Oregon: Wolves Exhibit

@thewolfconnectionpod

Dario Hipolito is a PhD student at both the Center for Environmental and Marine Studies at the University of Aveiro in Portugal, and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Zagreb in Croatia. He studies Iberian wolves in Portugal, grey wolves in Croatia and promotes coexistence in both places.

Dario explained his journey to studying wolves in Europe, how he engages rural communities with coexistence discussions surrounding wolves, and the challenges wolves face in Portugal.

@dariorhipolito

Dario Hipolito Research Gate

Dario Hipolito Webinar

Life Wild Wolf

@thewolfconnectionpod

Lizzy Pennock is the Carnivore Coexistence Attorney for WildEarth Guardians. Conservation groups Flathead-Lolo-Bitterroot Citizen Task Force and WildEarth Guardians were granted temporary relief for threatened grizzly bears, when a judge issued an interim ban on wolf trapping in Montana grizzly bear habitat. This was all stemming from a lawsuit filed on September 22nd, 2023. 

Lizzy went into detail about the court ruling, what it means for grizzly bears and wolves in the near future, and the effects this could have in the state Montana.

@wildearthguardians

WildEarth Guardians Press Release

Case Documents

@thewolfconnectionpod

Chris Smith is the Southwest Wildlife Advocate for WildEarth Guardians and Greta Anderson is the Deputy Director for Western Watersheds Project. We were lucky enough to have both of them on the podcast to discuss Asha, the Mexican Grey Wolf who was traveling beyond the I-40 boundary. During our discussion, Asha was re-captured and will ultimately be transported back inside the recovery area.

Chris and Greta described the impact Asha's story has made throughout the environmental community, what they hope her story does for future conservation of Mexican Grey Wolves and their thoughts on wolf recovery in the Southwest United States.

@wildearthguardians

@westernwatershedsproject

@thewolfconnectionpod

Advocates Urge Agencies to Let Asha Roam Free

Asha's Visit to Northern New Mexico Offers Hope for Recovery

Asha the Roaming Mexican Grey Wolf Captured in New Mexico

Mike Koshmrl has been and environmental reporter and journalist for over a decade. He previously worked with Jackson Hole News & Guide and currently writes for WyoFile, reporting on environmental, conservation and natural issues concerning the state of Wyoming.

He went into great detail about his articles: Border Killings: How Shooters Lured Historic Colorado Wolves to their deaths in Wyoming and Wyoming is killing Colorado's wolves, again, and the state's keeping it a secret. Both discuss the issue of wolves traversing over state lines, the state government withholding information and how we could see similar conflicts as Colorado reintroduces wolves into their state.

@koshywrites

Mike Koshmrl Author Archive

Wyoming Killing Colorado Wolves

Border Killings Article

@thewolfconnectionpod

Krisztina Gayler is a part of multiple organizations including The Rewilding Institute, The National Wolfwatcher Coalition and The Rocky Mountain Wolf Project. An avid wolf watcher and coexistence advocate, she imparts her knowledge of European ranching & shepherding to help promote non-lethal methods of living and working with carnivores.

Krisztina talked about her upbringing in Hungary, the history of ranching & shepherding with carnivores in Romania and Transylvania, and how she hopes to bring these methods to the forefront of coexistence with wolves.

Krisztina Gayler Rewilding Earth

Wolf Watchers

The 06 Legacy

@krisztina_gayler

@thewolfconnectionpod

James Frystak is an Emmy Award Winning Cinematographer for his work on Netflix's Island of the Sea Wolves. He has been a part of filming other series including America The Beautiful and Incredible Animal Journeys for BBC, CBC, Disney+ and National Geographic.

James spoke to us about his experiences filming for Island of the Sea Wolves, his career path becoming a Cinematographer and the impact of telling natural stories to the world.

James Frystak Website

James Frystak Showreel

River Road Films

@james_frystak

@thewolfconnectionpod

Phillip Scrimshaw has been working as a photographer since 2021. He has taken multiple trips to Yellowstone, along with heading to Africa to photograph painted wolves and other wildlife. He tracks all of his adventures on his blog, and informs the public about the plight of the painted wolf on the African continent.

Phillip discussed how he came into photography, how the first trip to Africa changed his life trajectory, the impact painted wolves have had on his life, and how he helps the conservation effort surrounding the species.

@scrimshawphotography

Scrimshaw Photography Website

Zambian Carnivore Program

@thewolfconnectionpod

Rob Edward has been working on restoring wild lands and wildlife in the American West for nearly 30 years. He is a Co-Founder and Strategic Advisor for Rocky Mountain Wolf Project and President of the Rocky Mountain Wolf Action Fund.

Rob went into great detail about the journey to reintroducing wolves into Colorado, his working relationships throughout this initiative, the challenges that are ahead, and how he hopes this project will help other rewilding efforts.

@rockymtnwolf

Rocky Mountain Wolf Project

Colorado Parks & Wildlife Grey Wolves

@thewolfconnectionpod

This is our very first episode of 'Wolf Tracks' where we are discussing multiple wildlife issues and articles pertaining to wolves, mountain lions and bears with Carter Niemeyer!

Carter Niemeyer retired from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in 2006 as the Wolf Recovery Coordinator for the state of Idaho. He was an integral part of the Federal Wolf Reintroduction in both Yellowstone and Idaho. Carter has authored two books, Wolfer and Wolf Land which can be purchased through multiple book retailers.

Here are the articles and content that were discussed in the podcast:

CPW Commissioners Site Lack of Trust Over Release
Never Ending Wolf Wars
Colorado Cuts April Hunting Season Short (Mountain Lions)
The Coming War on Grizzly Bears
Exposed Wildlife Conservancy: Trapped in the Past Documentary Series

 @thewolfconnectionpod