The Wolf Connection: Recent Episodes
A Wolf Connection® Production
Welcome to 'The Wolf Connection' Podcast! Here, we explore the intricate bond between humans and wolves, seeking to better understand our relationship with one of humankind's earliest teachers; the wolf. 🐺
Re-discovering this human/wolf connection may prove to be essential to our development as individuals, the cultivation of productive societies, and a sustainable civilization on this planet.
You will experience a wide array of guests, such as Scientists, Authors, Conservationists, Visual Artists, Ranchers, Hunters, Naturalists and even Wolf Connection Staff & Volunteers!
Topics range from wolves in the wild, their impact on the national landscape and the complex cultural and social significance of the human/wolf connection.
Rick LoBello is one of the founders and Treasurer of the Texas Lobo Coalition, while Phillip Sozansky serves as the organization's Secretary. The Texas Lobo Coalition is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the natural restoration of the Mexican wolf to its native and historic habitats in Texas.
In this conversation, Rick and Phillip explore Texas's ecological and cultural history, the mission of the Texas Lobo Coalition, and the science, challenges, and opportunities surrounding the return of Mexican wolves. They also share why they believe the time is right for this iconic species to reclaim its historic place in the Texas landscape.
Texas Lobo Coalition (Website)
@texaslobocoalition
@thewolfconnectionpod
A Handful of Dirt - Watch on YouTube
Carolyn Johnson is the Founder/CEO/Mechanical Engineer of GuardUs Innovations. Their mission is to save animals, both domestic and wild. GuardUs Innovations strives to create a world where livestock are protected and our natural predators thrive. We plan to achieve this through novel and effective non-lethal predator deterrent innovations.
Carolyn spoke about her background as a mechanical engineer, the livestock collar which aims to protect cattle & sheep in a non-lethal way, and promoting coexistence with wild predators.
GuardUs Innovations Website
@thewolfconnectionpod
A Handful of Dirt - Watch on YouTube
Sami Godlove is the is the Central Oregon Field Coordinator at Oregon Wild, which works to protect and restore Oregon’s wild lands, wildlife, and waters as an enduring legacy for future generations.
Sami spoke about his early influential moments in nature, the importance of the Roadless Rule, potential large environmental rollbacks, and the effects these policies have on large ecosystems, old growth forests and other natural places that they protect.
Oregon Wild
@oregonwild
@thewolfconnectionpod
A Handful of Dirt - Watch on YouTube
Marc Bekoff is a professor emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Marc has published over 30 books and has won many awards for his research on animal behavior, animal emotions (cognitive ethology), compassionate conservation, and animal protection. He worked closely with Jane Goodall as co-chair of the ethics committee of the Jane Goodall Institute, and is a former Guggenheim Fellow.
Marc discussed his book Rewinding Our Hearts: Building Pathways of Compassion and Coexistence, describing ways to bring compassion back into conservation work, understanding the human impacts on rewilding, how we can shape future generations to become passionate, compassionate conservationists, and his admiration for the late Jane Goodall.
Marc Bekoff Website
Rewilding Our Hearts
Love In Their Hearts (Pre-Order)
A Handful of Dirt - Watch on YouTube
Naïma has been a professional artist for over 6 years, after her work as a graphic designer for a decade. She describes her connection through art in this way: "Each work is conceived as an intimate space, where anyone can project their own story, emotions, and memories. Over time, I’ve come to understand that this silent connection between a painting and the viewer lies at the heart of my work. It is in this resonance, often hard to explain, that the artwork truly finds its place."
Naïma reflects on how her connection with wolves has shaped her path into art, sharing insight into her creative process and the deeper themes woven through her work. She explores the presence of the feminine, the wild, and the natural world in her paintings, and the lasting impact she hopes they leave with those who experience them.
Naïma Fine Art
@naimanamaste
@thewolfconnectionpod
Cadence Truchot has been the Tribal Community Engagement Fellow with Grand Teton National Park for over a year and a half. Her work within the park helps underserved Indigenous communities reconnect with their ancestral lands in week long programmatic settings.
Cadence shares her deep connection to the natural world and how those values shape the programs she leads in Grand Teton. She speaks to the vital role of tribal partners in guiding storytelling, leadership, and mentorship, and reflects on the ongoing repair and relationship-building between tribal nations and the National Park Service.
@cadence_truchot
Grand Teton National Park (website)
Rebuilding Burned Bridges
Eric Washburn is a fifth-generation Coloradan who is a big game hunter, who is a Senior Policy Advisor for Pioneer Public Affairs. PPA works on clean energy technologies and advocacy movements to combat the climate crisis, protect natural wonders, and empower marginalized communities across America.
Eric discussed many issues from affecting winter, water and wildlife in Colorado, including the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease within elk and deer herds, pushing for the reintroduction of more beavers and wolves in the state, generational knowledge and traditions within the hunting communities, and climate change.
@thewolfconnectionpod
Colorado Politics Article
The Future of Winter, Water and Wildlife in Colorado
@rockymtnwolf
Brianna Godberson is the host of the Find Your Wild podcast, an artist, and business owner of Femme Sauvage based in Long Island, NY.
Brianna reflected on her transformative visits to three wolf sanctuaries in California alongside Candace Dyar, sharing the lessons, and teachings she's taking with her from the wolves and wolf dogs that she experienced on this trip. She spoke about taking a step back to recharge from her podcast and business, while being reinvigorated with new energy through these visits.
@findyourwildpodcast
@shopfemmesauvage
Femme Sauvage Store
Find Your Wild Podcast YouTube
Candace Dyar is a nature and conservation photographer, educator, wildlife & wolf advocate based in Washington State for two decades. She has used her platform to collaborate on environmental issues with organizations including Wildlife for All and Team Wolf.
Candace reflected on her transformative visits to three wolf sanctuaries in California alongside Brianna Godberson, sharing the profound growth and expansion she experienced along the way. Through this journey, she offers a powerful message to women, rooted in the wisdom of wolves, about intuition, resilience, and reconnecting with one’s true nature.
@candacedyar
Candace Dyar Website
@thewolfconnectionpod
Eleri Lopp is a photographer, videographer, and nature guide in Estonia. She has been tracking wolves for over a decade and observing ecological changes happening within her country.
Eleri described wolf populations and movements within Estonia, the difference between EU protections and Baltic countries enforcing them for wolves, and the underfunding of science and research to conduct research on carnivores within Estonia.
Eleri Lopp Photography
@elerilopp_fromestonia
@thewolfconnectionpod
Eleanor Keisman is an American writer living in Vienna, Austria. She holds a BA from The New School and an MFA in creative writing from Drexel University. Her short stories, poetry, and essays have appeared in Litro Magazine, The Bangalore Review, Tough Crime, Last Stanza Poetry Journal, and The Wild Umbrella, as well as adapted for "The Other Stories" podcast. New Animal is her first novella.
Eleanor described her path to writing, the influences that guided her in writing New Animal, and the overall themes that present themselves within the novella.
Eleanor Keisman Website
Purchase New Animal from Broken Tribe Press
@e_keisman
@thewolfconnectionpod
Paul Koberstein cofounded Cascadia Times in 1995 and has been its editor ever since. Paul, a journalist for forty years, was a staff writer for The Oregonian and Willamette Week in the 1980s and 1990s. He is the co-author of Canopy of Titans examining the global importance of the Pacific Coastal Temperate Rainforest that stretches from Northern California to Alaska.
Paul discussed the book Canopy of Titans which details the threats facing this vital environmental resource, and celebrates the beauty and complexity of one of the world's great forests.
Cascadia Times
OR Books (Order Canopy of Titans)
@cascadiatimes
@thewolfconnectionpod
The Anderson family is a multi-generational ranching operation in Tom Miner Basin, the grizzly bear corridor near Yellowstone National Park's northern boundary. Rather than dominate nature, the Andersons work to prevent predation of livestock by coexisting more harmoniously with wildlife.
Malou has implemented holistic regenerative grazing management so that these grasslands become more abundant and draw down more carbon into the soil.
She discussed her personal relationship with the land describing peaceful partnerships, breaking down stereotypes within the ranching community, and how to promote “shared landscapes” where livestock and predators co-exist to protect ecosystems.
@m.tealeye.a
@tomminerbasin
Tom Miner Basin Association
The Forever Ranch
Teal Tag
Doug Smith 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).
He talked about the lessons he's learned from wolves, his experiences in captive facilities, including observations he made while visiting Wolf Connection, and his continued mission to advocate for wolves, wild places and and ecological restoration.
Wolf Connection
@wolfconnection
@thewolfconnectionpod
Annick Hus is a Belgian Freelance Journalist who has studied Animal Welfare Science and Ethics and Law at the University of Winchester. Arie Trouwborst is a Nature Conservation Law Professor at Tilburg University. They have both chronicled the political, societal, and legal perspectives of wolves naturally recolonizing Europe.
They both discussed the challenges within each of these categories, as each country within the European Union is looking to navigate coexistence with wolves and other predators on many levels.
The Unravelling of a Success Story: How Politics Is Killing Europe’s Wolves
Wolves in Europe: From Conservation Icon to Political Flashpoint
Who Should Adapt: The Wolf or Us?
Large Carnivores and The EU Habitats Directive – Legal
Obligations to Restore and Coexist
@thewolfconnectionpod
John Potter grew up in the Upper Great Lakes region, spending his formative years immersed in the lush forests of the Great Northwoods, where he developed a profound love for the natural world that continues to inspire his work today.
After a successful 20-year career as an award-winning illustrator, John transitioned to painting full-time in 2002.
John visited Wolf Connection for 3 days, immersing himself in the on-site programs, interacting with the wolf pack, and experiencing all the sanctuary had to offer. He spoke about his time at Wolf Connection and what impacted him the most.
John Potter Website
@johnpotterart
@thewolfconnectionpod
Melissa Smith is the Executive Director & Founder of Friends of the Wisconsin Wolf & Wildlife and has served on D.C. environmental committees with a deep understanding of the Endangered Species Act.
She explored the significance of sociological sciences within state policy management of species, how this influences the effectiveness of State Endangered Species Acts (SESA) and State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAP), and the way governmental agencies on all levels can be ineffective in implementing protection plans for all species.
Great Lakes Wildlife Alliance/Friends of the Wisconsin Wolf & Wildlife
@endangeredspeciescoalition
@thewolfconnectionpod
Dr. John Vucetich has been working on the Isle Royale Wolf & Moose Project for over 30 years. He is a distinguished Professor at Michigan Technological University where he teaches Wildlife Ecology and Environmental Ethics.
We discussed the global biodiversity crisis we are currently in at the moment, the value of species within the context of an environment, his co-authored paper titled Government agencies in the United States are obstructing native species restoration, creating regulatory pits for wildlife, and the ways regulatory pits for wildlife are created.
Government Agencies in the U.S. are Obstructing Native Species Restoration
@wolvesandmooseofisleroyale
@thewolfconnectionpod
Leo Miranda was the USFWS Southeast Regional Director from 2018-2022, and is the Founder and CEO of Leo Miranda LLC which creates innovative wildlife conservation policy solutions. He also serves at the Executive Director for Conservation Without Conflict, a proven approach to conservation and a coalition of public and private partners with highly diverse goals who are united in their commitment to conserving wildlife while keeping America’s working lands working.
Leo went into detail about how Conservation Without Conflict takes on different projects, they're approach to creating partnerships that help working lands, wildlife species and ecosystems simultaneously, and how communication is key within these agreements.
Conservation Without Conflict
Leo Miranda LLC
@thewolfconnectionpod
Adam Bronstein has been with Western Watersheds Project since 2020 and is the Oregon Director for the organization. Adam grew up exploring the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, and received a BS from SUNY ESF in Syracuse, NY in Environmental Studies and Geographic Information Technologies.
He discussed the parameters of the Roadless Rule, explained specifics on protections for Inventoried Roadless Areas (IRAs), impacts logging, grazing and outdoor recreation takes on roadless areas, and the ways you can protect lands near you.
Western Watersheds Press Release
USDA Press Release on Roadless Rule
Roadless Rule Maps & Litigation
@westernwatersheds
@thewolfconnectionpod
Lizzy Pennock has been the Carnivore Coexistence Attorney for WIldEarth Guardians for 4 years. Earlier in August, a federal district court in Missoula ruled that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service violated the Endangered Species Act (ESA) when it determined that gray wolves in the western United States do not warrant federal protections.
Lizzy went into great detail describing Senior District Judge Donald Molloy's reasons for ruling in this manner. We went on to discuss at length the definition of wolves range, discrepancies in population numbers, state management issues, inconsistencies within the USFWS arguments, and what this ruling could mean for the future of wolves in the western United States.
WildEarth Guardians Website
WildEarth Guardians Press Release
Jude Donald Molloy Ruling
@wildearthguardians
@centerforbiodiv
@thewolfconnectionpod
Axel Hunnicutt has been with California Department of Fish & Wildlife for over 4 years and is the State Gray Wolf Coordinator. He has previously worked in Africa with multiple endangers and threatened species, protecting habitats and wildlife while promoting coexistence benefits to the surrounding communities.
Axel discussed the recolonization of wolves in California, their territories, pack sizes and possible dispersal patterns, the main issues surrounding wolf recolonization, and what the agency is doing to ensure coexistence measures are used when conflict occurs.
Gray Wolf CDFW (Web Page)
California Wolf Project
@hyena_man
@thewolfconnectionpod
James Holt has been a tribal member of the Nez Perce for 13 years and has worked in Environmental Sciences & Tribal Community Engagement for nearly three decades. He also specializes in tribal public policy, including natural resources and water policy development; climate change planning; wilderness management; and utilities administration for the Nez Perce.
James shared insights into his upbringing with the lessons and guidance he was given as a young man, the relationship of the Nez Perce with the land and wildlife surrounding them, the history of the Nez Perce during westward expansion and the wolf reintroduction in 1995, along with their influence in environmental policy in the present day.
Nez Perce Wildlife Division
Nez Perce Website
Nez Perce Wolf History
@npt1855
@thewolfconnectionpod
Laurie Cousins is a Trauma-Informed Mindfulness Teacher who has been with Wolf Connection since 2018. Known for her work in healing trauma and addiction recovery, Laurie focuses on treating the cyclical root causes of compulsive behaviors while building self-love and resiliency.
She spoke about the ways that nature based therapy can help us reconnect with the environment, how those practices intertwine with the programs at Wolf Connection, and how we can listen to our bodies while becoming more in tune with our nervous systems.
Healing with Mindfulness
@mindfully_laurie
lcousins@wolfconnection.org
@thewolfconnectionpod
Alma "Rosie" Sanchez is the Carnivore Biologist for the Nez Perce Tribe and is also a PhD student at The University of Colorado Boulder. She combines Indigenous political ecology and carnivore ecology in both fieldwork and research. Rosie has focused on revitalizing management plans, deploying field projects to determine occupancy and migration, and expanding opportunities for community involvement in conservation.
She spoke about her career journey that led to working with the Nez Perce Tribe, some of the research she's working on at the moment, and the rise of traditional ecological knowledge she's seen in collaboration within agencies.
Nez Perce Tribe Website
Nez Perce Tribe Wildlife Division
@rorosanchie
Howl Podcast (Wolf Reintroduction Series)
@thewolfconnectionpod
Nita Strauss is a Los Angeles born guitarist who has toured around the globe, playing with musical artists like Demi Lovato and Alice Cooper, while releasing two solo albums Controlled Chaos (2018) and The Call of the Void (2023). She was also the first female to have a signature guitar through Ibanez guitars, the Ibanez JIVA.
We spoke with Nita about her creative process, both in her instrumental work and collaboration with vocalists, asked about the inspiration for the song The Wolf You Feed feat. Alissa White-Gluz and how the meaning of the song has resonated since its release.
Nita Strauss Website
@hurricanenita
@thewolfconnectionpod
Hannah Rheaume has been a professional photographer for 5 years. She has traveled the globe, sharing her stories through the lens of her camera, while aiming to explore the complexities of humans and their impact on the natural world.
Hannah spoke about her interactions with the pack at Wolf Connection, the photo workshop she hosted in Yellowstone, and her encounter with a yearling wolf inside the park.
Check out @thewolfconnectionpod on Instagram to see the wolf photos we discussed in this episode!
Hannah Rheaume Website
@hannahrheaume
Dan Flores is A. B. Hammond Professor Emeritus of the History of the American West at the University of Montana-Missoula. He has authored ten books, including his New York Times Bestseller Coyote America, along with American Serengeti and Wild New World.
We had a powerful conversation about how coyotes have shaped both Indigenous and early American storytelling, the rise and impact of extirpation campaigns against them and other North American species, the cultural shift toward conservation, and what all of this means for our present-day relationship with wildlife.
*Donate to help take the podcast* On The Road! Click the link**** https://wolfconnection.org/donations/
Dan Flores Bio (Project Coyote)
Dan Flores Books (Amazon)
@projectcoyoteorg
@thewolfconnectionpod
Nadia Steinzor is a collaborative environmental professional for over 25 years, whose knowledge ranges through environmental issues, policies, and regulations to help produce reports, outreach materials, comments, and testimony. Nadia works with the Rewilding Institute to ensure that wolves and other carnivores thrive and roam in the Northeast and beyond.
We discussed what goes into drafting environmental policy, some of the differences between state and federal issues, and the challenges wild canids are facing in the Northeastern United States.
*Donate to help take the podcast* On The Road! Click the link**** https://wolfconnection.org/donations/
Nadia Steinzor Website
Rewilding Institute
Northeast Wolf Recovery Alliance
@thewolfconnectionpod
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 three books, Wolfer, Wolf Land, and The Other Ten Wolves, which can be purchased through multiple book retailers.
Carter spoke about his latest literary entry The Other Ten Wolves, the story behind the Sawtooth Pack, and his role in their translocation into Yellowstone.
*Donate to help take the podcast* On The Road! Click the link**** https://wolfconnection.org/donations/
Carter Niemeyer Website (Buy a signed copy here)
@thewolfconnectionpod
Matt James is the Chief Animal Officer for Colossal Biosciences. Colossal Biosciences is dedicated to genetic engineering and de-extinction projects to advance conservation efforts for current species, like red wolves, ecosystems and biodiversity throughout the globe with cutting-edge biotechnology.
Matt went into detail about the mission of Colossal, long term goals with the dire wolf and red wolf projects, and promoting conservation efforts within ecosystems and biodiversity around the world.
Colossal Biosciences
Dire Wolf Research
Colossal Conservation
Colossal Foundation
@itiscolossal
@thewolfconnectionpod
Jonny Hanson is an Environmental Social Scientist, award-winning social entrepreneur, snow leopard conservationist and former community farmer. He is particularly interested in understanding coexistence between livestock farming and large carnivore conservation. He recently published his first book Living with Lynx, Sharing Landscapes with Big Cats, Wolves and Bears.
Jonny spoke about the history of predators in Britain, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, reasons for their extirpation and some of the social and ecological hurdles with possible reintroduction of predators.
*Donate to help take the podcast* On The Road! Click the link**** https://wolfconnection.org/donations/
Jonny Hanson Website (Book Orders Here)
Jonny Hanson Tedx Talk
@jonnyhhanson
@thewolfconnectionpod
Tom McPherson has been guiding for 21 years and running Seaforth Expeditions for 6 years. His work with sea wolves has been featured on Netflix with Island of the Sea Wolves, and guiding BBC shoots for the Americas series on NBC.
Tom and his family were able to spend some time at Wolf Connection, meet the pack, and sit down for a brief podcast. We spoke about his experiences at the sanctuary, the importance of storytelling when sharing about sea wolves, and some of the similarities he noticed between the pack at Wolf Connection and the wild sea wolves.
*Donate to help take the podcast* On The Road! Click the link**** https://wolfconnection.org/donations/
Seaforth Expeditions
@seaforthexpeditions
@thewolfconnectionpod
Mich Biesbroek has been tracking wildlife since he was a young boy. He is one of the group leaders and guides for the White Wilderness weeks of Slovak Wildlife Society, where they monitor large carnivores in Slovakia with the help of volunteer citizens scientists. He is also a core member of Werkgroep Wolf Nederland.
Mich spoke about his experiences tracking animals, his guiding practices when he's with Slovak Wildlife Society, the state of wolves in the Netherlands and his involvement with Werkgroep Wolf Nederland.
Slovak Wildlife Society
Werkgroep Wolf Nederland
@tallmanhiking
@thewolfconnectionpod
Luigi Boitani has been studying, researching and propelling the conservation of wolves in Italy for over 50 years. He is currently a Professor Emeritus at the University of Rome, Italy, and Chair of the IUCN Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe.
Luigi went into great detail explaining his initial experiences researching wolves, how wolves, other predators and ungulates have had to adapt to a changing landscape in Italy, describing initiatives for coexistence in the region, and his overall assessment of wolf behaviors in present day Italy.
Luigi Boitani Research Gate
IUCN Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe
@thewolfconnectionpod
Bridgett VonHoldt and Kristin Brzeski are the Director and Co-Director of the Gulf Coast Canine Project. The GCCP was created to encompass their research and the community-based approach they are developing to understand, monitor, and manage the unique canines persisting across the Gulf Coast.
Bridgett and Kristin gave updates on genomics research, community scientific engagement, expansion of non-invasive data collection, and future goals of the project.
Gulf Coast Canine Project
@thewolfconnectionpod
Mollie Cameron is the Wolf Campaigner for Pacific Wild in British Columbia. She has extensive field experience monitoring carnivores, studying their behavior through remote camera traps, investigating wildlife signs, and documenting predation events.
She discussed the impact of old-growth forest loss, the history and current status of the wolf cull, habitat destruction, and how these factors are reshaping the landscape.
Pacific Wild
BC Wolf Campaign
@pacificwild
@thewolfconnectionpod
Michelle Valberg has been a fixture in the photography world for over 40 years. A Nikon Ambassador, she was honored with the prestigious Order of Canada in 2022 for her contributions to the craft. Additionally, she is a fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.
In our conversation, Michelle shared the story of her photographic journey, discussed how she mentors newcomers to the art of photography, and recounted her two recent trips where she had the unique opportunity to photograph wolves.
Michelle Valberg Website
@michellevalbergphotography
@thewolfconnectionpod
Ian Wargo is a first generation Montanan who is a member of the Region 1 FWP Citizen Advisory Council and FWP Mule Deer Citizen Advisory Council. He is an avid outdoorsman, hunter and concerned resident on the state of the land, herds and practices impacting wild spaces in Northwestern Montana.
Ian discussed changes he's been witnessing on the landscape, practices that have impacted land management, wolves returning to the area, and how he feels there are ways to come together on common ground issues.
*This is Part 1 of our 2-part discussion with Ian.*
@thewolfconnectionpod
Back from the Brink: Montana's Wildlife Legacy (PBS)
Fire History in the Bob Marshall Wilderness (U.S. Forest Service)
Ian Wargo is a first generation Montanan who is a member of the Region 1 FWP Citizen Advisory Council and FWP Mule Deer Citizen Advisory Council. He is an avid outdoorsman, hunter and concerned resident on the state of the land, herds and practices impacting wild spaces in Northwestern Montana.
We discussed potential common ground issues between the non-consumptive and hunting communities, including the sale of federal public land, changes to habitat management, and their impacts. Additionally, we explored topics such as studying predation and environmental easements.
*This is Part 2 of our 2-part discussion with Ian.*
@thewolfconnectionpod
Brenna Cassidy started her work with Colorado Parks & Wildlife as the Wolf Monitoring and Data Coordinator in late 2023. She had a pivotal role in both wolf translocations, bringing wolves from Oregon and B.C.
Brenna went into detail about her new position at CPW, the data she is looking for with the new wolves in Colorado, how she is able to track collar information, and what this data is going to be used for in their annual reports.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife (Wolves)
@coparkswildlife
@brennajcassidy
@thewolfconnectionpod
Caitlin McLean is studying Ecology and Conservation Biology at the University of Stirling and recently returned from tracking predators with The Slovak Wildlife Society.
She explained the absence of predators in her home country of Scotland and the impacts on the landscape, her deep connection to nature, the experiences she had in Slovakia, and her engagement in conflict mitigation with groups in the predator coexistence space.
@saor.wolf
The Slovak Wildlife Society
@thewolfconnectionpod
Hannah Rheaume has been a professional photographer for 5 years. She has traveled the globe, sharing her stories through the lens of her camera, while aiming to explore the complexities of humans and their impact on the natural world.
She spoke at length on her process when preparing to go on photo shoots, how photography is unique to her vision, promoting wild places and human spaces to help with conservation and education, and sharing stories on a few selected photos with us.
*Go to the Wolf Connection Podcast Instagram to see photos we spoke about!*
Hannah's Website
@hannahrheaume
@thewolfconnectionpod
Amy Porter is the Director of Conservation with Wolf Haven International and is part of the Wolf Advisory Group with the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. She has done research in Congo, working with communities on conservation efforts and conflicts within the region.
She has translated much of her experience from that work in Congo, to her efforts in Washington state with wolves. Amy described in detail the knowledge she learned from her time in Congo, parallels in conflict areas with monkeys and wolves, and how she is able to advise and help conservation efforts with Wolf Haven International and the Wolf Advisory Group.
Wolf Haven International
Wolf Advisory Group
@wolfhavenint
@thewolfconnectionpod
Mike Koshmrl has been an 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.
Amanda Eggert has been an environmental reporter with Montana Free Press since 2021. She has also written for other publications including Explore Big Sky, Explore Yellowstone & Mountain Outlaw.
Both shared their experiences in writing this combined piece, The Year of the Wolves documenting the first steps to wolves being reintroduced to the Northern Rockies. Read the story below at both publications websites. The Year of the Wolves (Wyofile)
The Year of the Wolves (Montana Free Press)
Amanda Eggert Stories
Mike Koshmrl Stories
@wyofile
@mtfreepress
@thewolfconnectionpod
KC York is the President & Founder of Trap Free Montana since its inception in 2013. They represent hikers, anglers, hunters, wildlife watchers, ranchers, pet owners and outdoor enthusiasts concerned about or adamantly opposed to trapping.
KC spoke about the updated trapping regulations for bears, wolves and other furbearers in the state of Montana, the issues that trapping and snaring bring to the recreational public, and upcoming bills being introduced into the Montana legislative session.
Trap Free Montana
@trapfreemt
@thewolfconnectionpod
Courtney Vail is the Board Chair and Community Outreach Advisor for Rocky Mountain Wolf Project. As a wildlife biologist and social scientist with a deep background in environmental policy and psychology, she has provided leadership for the design and implementation of diverse domestic and international programs, campaigns, and initiatives.
Courtney spoke about recent events dealing with the wolf reintroductions in Colorado, coexistence measures that are being implemented on the ground, and campaigns she has launched to raise money to help continue reintroduction efforts in the future.
Rocky Mountain Wolf Project (Website)
Born to Be Wild License Plate
USFWS Seeks Information on Illegal Killing of Grey Wolf in Colorado
@rockymtnwolf
@thewolfconnectionpod
Delia Malone is the Wildlife Chair for the Colorado Chapter of the Sierra Club, and an Ecologist for the Colorado Natural Heritage Program at Colorado State University. She has also been at the forefront of wolf reintroduction efforts for the state of Colorado.
Delia spoke at length on ecosystem balance, the roles wolves and other species play in the broader ecological picture, and how Colorado stands ecological from her perspective.
Delia Malone Sierra Club Colorado
Delia Malone Articles
@thewolfconnectionpod
Angie Ruiz is a writer, director, and producer of award-winning documentaries Forever Faithful & Black Beauty Breed that can be seen on Apple+, Amazon Prime, and Vimeo On Demand. Her new film, Wonders of the Wolf, will be screening at film festivals in 2025.
Angie shared insights into the filmmaking process, the influences that shaped her work, and the message she hopes to convey through the film Wonders of the Wolf.
Angie Ruiz Website
Wonders of the Wolf Film
@mrsangieruiz
@thewolfconnectionpod
Matt Hyde and Mauriel Rodriguez are both Postdoctoral Researchers helping with California Wolf Project. California Wolf Project seeks to develop a model for how to bring universities, government agencies, and local communities together around the science and practice of improving human-wildlife interactions on a shared landscape.
Matt and Mauriel described the research objectives and goals for the project, how they aim to bring their unique ecological and community engagement skills to the table, and what the future of wolves in California could look like.
California Wolf Project
Mauriel Rodriguez Research
Matt Hyde Research
@californiawolfproject
@thewolfconnectionpod
Ellen Dymit is a doctoral student at Oregon State University and is one of the researchers who has studied coastal sea wolves along the Katmai Coast in Alaska in 2021. The majority of her findings detail the prey base of these wolves and their hunting patterns in a coastal setting.
Ellen went into great depth describing her research on coastal sea wolf diet, how they are collecting data from scat samples, and the progression of the project since its initial inception.
@ellendymit (Twitter/X)
Wolves on the Katmai Coast hunting sea otters and harbor seals
Oregon State Researchers Observe Wolves on Katmai Coast
@thewolfconnectionpod
Matt Metz has been a biologist with the Yellowstone National Park Wolf, Cougar, and Elk projects for over two decades. He specializes in studying prey dynamics among these species and their ecological impacts on the park.
Matt provided an in-depth analysis of the wolves' effects on prey species, highlighting shifts in the prey base and changes in the distribution of ungulates throughout the park. He also discussed how other carnivores influence the relationships between wolves and ungulates.
Matt Metz Research
@thewolfconnectionpod
Madeleine Nyman is the Project Manager for LIFE BOREALWOLF, which conveys information about wolves and their behaviour, promotes local interaction and provides tools for the prevention of adverse impact and losses caused by wolves.
Mari Lyly is a Special Planning Officer with the Finnish Wildlife Agency, which romotes sustainable game husbandry, supports the activity of game management associations, and sees to the implementation of wildlife and game policy.
We spoke at length about wolf management and research in Finland, the delicate relationship between humans and wolves in the region, and the challenges that are faced when trying to mitigate conflicts with wolves.
LIFE BOREALWOLF Website
Finnish Wildlife Agency Website
Cassi Camara is an Environmental Education Specialist for the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. She works to bring conservation, stewardship and environmental education to younger generations both domestically and through her work with the European Union.
Cassi went into great detail discussing her environmental educational work in Virginia, bringing those insights to countries in Europe, how Europe and the U.S. differ in their coexistence strategies, and the current reintroduction in Colorado.
cassi.camara@dcr.virginia.gov
Wolves Across Borders
@thewolfconnectionpod
Cecilia Di Bernardi is a post doctorate at Grimsö Wildlife Research Station, Department of Ecology, SLU, with a research focus in Ecology and Management of large mammals. The majority of her work with wolf populations is conducted within Scandinavia (Sweden & Norway).
Cecilia spoke about her background beginning in Rome, Italy. Her main focus of study is wolf diets, identifying individual wolves, and monitoring pack sizes. The majority of her research can be done by collecting scat samples and finding DNA that way.
Cecilia Di Bernardi Research Page
Scandinavian Wolf Project
@ce.dibernardi
@c_dibernardi
@thewolfconnectionpod
Dr. Jeff Reed is a computational linguist who is based just beyond the northern border of Yellowstone National Park. Working in tandem with the Yellowstone Wolf Project, the Cry Wolf Project records wolf sounds 24 hours a day from up to 60 recorders. One of the many goals is to explore wolf communication, what it may mean, and how we can better understand what they are relaying to one another.
Dr. Reed went into great detail about how he is able to decipher wolf sounds from other species, how to read those harmonics and frequencies on a spectrogram, the many types of sounds they've found thus far, and how the data collected could help research and coexistence in the future.
Languages of Life (Cry Wolf Project)
@thelanguagesoflife
AI Powered Devices Track Howls to Save Wolves
A New Way to Help Save Yellowstone's Wolves
A Bioacoustics Study in Greater Yellowstone (Yellowstone Forever)
@thewolfconnectionpod
Kayla Fratt is the Co-Founder of K9 Conservationists, whose mission is to unite highly trained conservation detection dog teams with researchers to collect scientific data. They aim to provide mentorship, education, and foster collaboration among scientists, novice handlers, and local communities.
We spoke about the process of selecting dogs for this research, the types of projects Kayla and her team are working on, how their teams collect data, and what types of research they are helping to shed light on.
@k9.conservationists
@girl.looking.under.rocks
K9 Conservationists Website
@thewolfconnectionpod
Kurt Holtzen has been a Conflict Mitigation Specialist for around 20 years. He has spent the last 4 years in Colorado helping create relationships to foster coexistence and promote good conflict mitigation methods as wolves were set to be reintroduced to the state.
Kurt went into great detail about the conflicts and situations he witnessed during the first 9 months of the wolf reintroduction, conversations he’s had with multiple groups of people, new techniques for conflict mitigation and how he hopes to help when the next group of wolves are introduced into the state.
@kurt_holtzen_wwcm
Western Wildlife Conflict Mitigation Website
@thewolfconnectionpod
Daniel Mallwitz has been the Head of Field Work for the County Board in Vastmanland, Sweden for about 10 years. He is in charge of monitoring and managing many of the large carnivores in his county, including wolves, bears, lynx and wolverine.
Daniel went into great detail about his work with wolves, building relationships within the communities of his county, and shared his experiences in the field.
@vilt.och.rovdjur
@thewolfconnectionpod
Sarah Hanafin has been volunteering with both Wolves of Maine and Wolf Hollow for almost a decade. She uses her Instagram platform to promote wolf education and conservation, while sharing her stories with wolves and wolfdogs from around the country.
Sarah spoke about her early years of volunteering, how her platform has been able to help wolves and people in their individual journeys, and her visit to Wolf Connection.
@wolfgirl_maine
Wolf Hollow Website
Wolves of Maine Website
@thewolfconnectionpod
@wolf_hollow_ma
Wendy Keefover has been the Senior Strategist for Carnivore Protection at The Humane Society of the United States for over 10 years. She has been a wildlife advocate and working to protect carnivores for over 30 years.
We talked about multiple topics with Wendy, including the numerous initiatives that The Humane Society is involved in, the motivations for killing carnivores, trophy hunting, issues surrounding predator control and the disconnect between institutions and citizens on wildlife.
The Humane Society of the United States
Writers on the Range - Wendy Keefover
@humanesociety
@thewolfconnectionpod
Jeremy SunderRaj has been a Science Technician with the Yellowstone Wolf, Elk and Cougar project for over 5 years. Prior to his work in Yellowstone, he spent three summers trapping and collaring wolves for the State of Montana.
Jeremy shared many stories about those summers in Montana, detailing his encounters with wolves, experiences working within Montana, and how influential this time was for his career trajectory.
@critter_chaser
Research Gate for Jeremy
@thewolfconnectionpod
Kira Cassidy has been a Research Associate with the Yellowstone Wolf Project for over 12 years. She has always been a source of important facts & research of the wolves in Yellowstone National Park.
Kira spoke about Wolf 907F, who has reached the age of 11.4 years old, the dynamics of the Junction Butte Pack which she's been a part of her entire life, and discussed important topics regarding wolf elders and their roles in the pack.
@kira_cassidy
CBC Article on 907F
@thewolfconnectionpod
Forrest Galante has many titles, a wildlife biologist, television host and explorer just to name just a few! His mission is to inspire and educate people about animals and adventure through the media, including hosting programs on Animal Planet, on-camera expert interviews, and production of his own wildlife and natural history shows.
Forrest came to Wolf Connection to visit the pack, shared his thoughts on wolves, wildlife, biodiversity and where his next ventures are.
Forrest Galante Website
@forrest.galante
Forrest Galante YouTube
@thewolfconnecitonpod
Taylor Rabe has been a Wildlife Technician in Yellowstone National Park for the Wolf, Cougar and Elk Projects for over 2 1/2 years. She is also the Inaugural Fellow for Conservation Nation.
Taylor updated us on what's happening inside Yellowstone National Park, the new Bioacoustics Program they are using to help identify populations of wolves, cougars and other animals, how they're dealing with wolf, bear and elk habituation issues and touched on the upcoming conference, Wolves Across Borders, taking place in The Netherlands in June of 2025.
Conservation Nation: Taylor Rabe
@taylorlrabe
@thewolfconnectionpod
Marc Bekoff is a professor emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Marc has published 31 books and has won many awards for his research on animal behavior, animal emotions (cognitive ethology), compassionate conservation, and animal protection. He has worked closely with Jane Goodall as co-chair of the ethics committee of the Jane Goodall Institute, and is a former Guggenheim Fellow.
Marc spoke at length about one of his books, The Emotional Lives of Animals: A Leading Scientist Explores Animal Joy, Sorrow, and Empathy - and Why They Matter, his research throughout the course of his career, and the relationships between humans and animals in many settings.
Marc Bekoff Website
Psychology Today Blog
Colorado's Wolves: Good News for Their Future as Wild Animals
@thewolfconnectionpod
Will Stenberg and his brother Zack Stentz recently visited Wolf Connection to spend time with the pack and recorded a quick podcast!
They gave an update on their Alpha Wolves of Yellowstone project, and spoke about their visit to the sanctuary.
Will Stenberg is a writer and musician, and his brother Zack Stentz is a writer and film producer known for his work on films like X-Men: First Class & Thor.
Stampede Ventures recently optioned the rights to Rick McIntyre's first 3 books in the Alpha Wolves of Yellowstone series for Will and Zack to script a film adaptation.
@thewillstenberg
@musezack
'The Alpha Wolves Of Yellowstone’: Stampede Ventures Taps Zack Stentz, Will Stenberg To Script Film Based On Non-Fiction Book Series (Deadline)
@thewolfconnectionpod
Samantha Miller is the CATs (Cats Aren't Trophies) Campaign Manager in Colorado. The Colorado Ballot Measure, Initiative 91, has gained enough signatures to be on the ballot in the November Election. The basis of the proposal is to end trophy hunting of mountain lions and fur-trapping of bobcats.
Samantha went into great detail on the ballot measure, the dangers mountain lions, bobcats and Canadian lynx face in Colorado, how the organization operates, and what they hope to achieve if the measure passes.
Ballot Measure Press Release (CATs Website)
CATs Website
@catsarenttrophiescolorado
@samanthakmiller
Leo Leckie is the Lead of Program Education & Outreach for Wolf Connection and has begun working with Yellowstone Wolf Tracker.
He recently came back onsite to visit Wolf Connection, worked with the program staff, visited the wolf pack, and sat down for a quick podcast!
Leo spoke about moving back to Yellowstone, shared stories about wolves & elk, specifically Wolf 907F, and his connections to the youth in the Wolf Connection programs.
@yellowstoneleo
@wolftracker
The Yellowstone Wolf Family Tree
@thewolfconnectionpod
This is our first podcast collaboration and we were so excited to have this discussion with Brooke Mitchell from Rewildology! Brooke is the host, founder and executive producer for Rewildology which is a podcast that talks about conservation, travel and rewilding the planet. Brooke engages with guests from across the globe, delving into their personal stories, what motivates them to dedicate their lives to conservation, and the profound discoveries they have made throughout their careers.
We all discussed what led us down the nature path, how our respective podcasts got started, and how they navigate the science, nature and wildlife space while looking to bring valuable information to our respective audiences.
Rewildolgy Website
@rewildology
@brookerewild
@thewolfconnectionpod
Ryan Sedgeley is the Southern Rockies Representative for the Endangered Species Coalition. Alan Lacy is the Founder & Chief Filmmaker for Reel Earth Films. Both organizations worked on the new film 'Welcome Home', that tells the story of wolves’ return to Colorado and how wildlife and people can live together.
Ryan and Alan spoke about their own connections to nature, the process of creating this film for the public, and the deeper meanings behind the films message for wolves' and humans coexistence moving forward.
*See the trailer and updates on film screenings below*
Welcome Home Film Website
Endangered Species Coalition
Reel Earth Films
@endangeredspeciescoalition
@reelearthfilms
@thewolfconnectionpod
Doug Smith is a former Senior Wildlife Biologist and the former Yellowstone National Park Wolf Program Lead for 28 years. Chris Servheen was the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Grizzly Bear Recovery Coordinator for 35 years.
Both Doug and Chris went into great detail about the history of grizzly bear and wolf recovery, the changing landscape in predator management since the 1980's, and their concerns about the future of both species in the western United States.
*Please read their paper published in The Yellowstonian below*
Will Two Of The World’s Greatest Wildlife Conservation Success Stories Be Unwritten?
Bear Specialist Group
Yellowstone Wolf Project
@thewolfconnectionpod
Joel Cates has been the Facilities Manager for Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary since 2019 after starting as a volunteer in 2013.
He spoke about growing up around the wilderness in North Western Ontario, his journey in the early days of Yamnuska, and gave updates on recent rescues and projects happening around the sanctuary.
Yamnuska Website
@yamnuskawdsanct
@cates239
Emily Weidner has been a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Biologist at the Bend Field Office in Orgeon since 2017. She is the office lead for eagles, sage-grouse, bats and wolves.
Emily spoke about her role as a USFWS Biologist in Oregon, the types of research happening with wolves in their specific area, told us an incredible wolf encounter story, and about her experiences in the field.
@onebrownleg
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (Bend, OR)
@thewolfconnectionpod
Screenwriter, director and producer Ashley Avis came back to Wolf Connection for the second time in 2 weeks! Ashley filmed at Wolf Connection for the new initiative, A Cry for the Wild, which will culminate in a 3-day event & rally for wolves and wildlife in Washington, D.C. this month. She also disclosed information about the next steps in the new film project, American Wolf.
Ashley is the President of The Wild Beauty Foundation, wrote, directed and edited Black Beauty on Disney+ and directed the award winning documentary Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West.
*More details about "A Cry for the Wild" rally in Washington, D.C. belowCry for the Wild Website@ashleyavis*@thewolfconnectionpod
Ashley Avis is a screenwriter, director and producer of 6 feature films and is the President of The Wild Beauty Foundation. She is the writer, director and editor for Black Beauty on Disney+ and directed the award winning documentary Wild Beauty: Mustang Spirit of the West.
Ashley spoke about her visit to Wolf Connection, her new film project, American Wolf, and the similarities between her work with wild horses and wolves.
Watch the video podcast on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/coYPvvH-lYk
Ashley Avis Website
@ashleyavis
@thewolfconnectionpod
Cara Love is an Evolutionary Biologist and Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University. She has been studying wolves in the exclusion zone of Chernobyl for over a decade. Cara’s goal is to help further our understanding of the ecological and evolutionary ramifications anthropogenic stressors have on wildlife populations.
Cara described her research on how wolves are surviving in and around Chernobyl, the ways in which they are collecting data, and how radiation exposure in wolf populations could lead to possible cancer fighting genetics.
Cara Love Website
Wolves of Chernobyl (Website)
The Mutant Wolves of Chernobyl Have Evolved to Survive Cancer
@thewolfconnectionpod
This is the third edition of 'Wolf Tracks'! We discussed the Cody Robert's fallout in Wyoming, along with other stories pertaining to wolves with Carter Niemeyer.
Carter 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:Forest Service/BLM Can't Ban Coyote WhackingHogs for Hope FundraiserH.R. 764 Passes the House (Trust the Science Act)Ninth Circuit Upholds Temp. Protections for Grizzlies in Wolf Trapping CaseDane County Judge Dismisses Lawsuit to revoke DNR wolf management planIdaho's Wolf Killings Decline@thewolfconnectionpod
Bill Watkins has been part of the Transportation System and Wilderness Tour Guide at Denali National Park for over 30 years. He is also the Administrator for the Denali Wolves group on Facebook, and is a conservation, wildlife and landscape photographer.
Bill spoke with us about his experiences guiding in the park, the changing dynamics in tourism as wolf watching and bear viewing has been in decline, and the impacts that wildlife mismanagement has had on predators around Denali National Park.
Bill Watkins Website
Bill Watkins YouTube
Alaska Wildlife Alliance Website
@thewolfconnectionpod
Ramey Newell is an American-Canadian filmmaker, photographer, and multidisciplinary artist who splits her time between British Columbia and Oregon. Her new film, A Good Wolf, is a feature-length documentary that explores diverging viewpoints on what 'A Good Wolf' means to different individuals. Those views are explored within the context of this lengthy, emotionally charged, and continuing battle over how wolves (and bears) are managed at the northeast boundary of Denali National Park.
Ramey discussed her background in photography and filmmaking, what factors drew her to make the film, and how she balanced perspectives on such an emotionally charged issue.
A Good Wolf premieres at the MountainFilm Festival in Telluride, CO May 23 - 27
Ramey Newell Website
A Good Wolf Website
MountainFilm Festival Website (Purchase Passes)
@rameynewell
@thewolfconnectionpod
Will Stenberg is a writer and musician, and his brother Zack Stentz is a writer and film producer know for his work on films like X-Men: First Class & Thor.
Stampede Ventures recently optioned the rights to Rick McIntyre's first 3 books in the Alpha Wolves of Yellowstone book series to Will and Zack to script a film adaptation.
Will and Zack spoke about their childhood experiences in nature, the journey of ultimately being selected to bring Rick McIntyre's books to the screen, and the challenges of adapting those stories for a larger audience.
@thewillstenberg
@musezack
'The Alpha Wolves Of Yellowstone’: Stampede Ventures Taps Zack Stentz, Will Stenberg To Script Film Based On Non-Fiction Book Series (Deadline)
@thewolfconnectionpod
This is the fourth installment of our podcasts regarding the Wyoming Wolf Incident. We spoke with Mike Kosmrl, reporter and investigative journalist from WyoFile.
Mike discussed how he first learned about the story, the challenges he's had getting information, the scope of the incident throughout Wyoming, and if statewide change would come to wildlife management or hunting practices in the state.
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.
*Check out all of Mike's reporting on this incident below*Mike Koshmrl Wyoming Wolf Incident Reports (WyoFile)
Wyofile.com
@wyofile
@koshywrites
@thewolfconnectionpod
This is the third installment of our podcasts regarding the Wyoming Wolf Incident. We spoke with Kim Bean from Wolves of the Rockies and Kristin Combs from Wyoming Wildlife Advocates.
We discussed legal action being taken in Wyoming related to the wolf killing, the deeper problems at the legislative and game agency levels, and how people can make change for wolves and wildlife in the state.
Kim Bean is President of Wolves of the Rockies and Kristin Combs is the Executive Director of Wyoming Wildlife Advocates.
Wolves of the Rockies
Wyoming Wildlife Advocates
@wolves_of_the_rockies
@wyomingwildlifeadvocates
@thewolfconnectionpod
This is the second installment of our podcasts regarding the Wyoming Wolf Incident by speaking with Carter Niemeyer.
We discussed the details of the incident, the reactions within both the hunting and non-consumptive communities, what the fallout could be from and Wyoming's massive elk herds prompting more hunting tags.
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.
*Articles Discussed in this Podcast*Fury over Wyoming wolf torture allegations sparks demands for steeper penalties, reform (WyoFIle)
From Cowboy State Daily:
Eastern Wyoming Has Too Many Elk, And Hunters Can’t Kill Them Fast Enough
Wyoming Game And Fish Proposes Unlimited Elk Tags To Cut Down On Gigantic Herds
Wyoming Commission Meeting April 16-17
Investigation Could Lead To More Charges For Accused Wyoming Wolf Tormentor
@thewolfconnectionpod
Emily Cohen is the Executive Director of 89.1 KHOL in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. They were the first break the story on March 29th involving a wolf's capture by Cody Roberts, the alleged abuse and death of the wolf following its capture.
Wyoming Public Records Act requests submitted by KHOL and WyoFile as of Thursday, April 4th, have not yielded any new official information and requests for interviews with the agency by both outlets have been cancelled or denied.
Please Read KOHL's stories on this incident below:
Wolf’s capture, alleged abuse by Wyoming man condemned, highlights legal limitations
Wyoming resident cited for illegally possessing a live wolf
@891khol
@wyofile
From WyoFIle: Fury over Wyoming wolf torture allegations sparks demands for steeper penalties, reform
@thewolfconnectionpod
Julia Smith is currently the Endangered Species Recovery Manager for the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. She formerly held the position of Lead of Wolf Policy for the same department for just over 2 years.
Julia spoke at about her academic background learning about large predators, ultimately working with wolves in Arizona and later Washington, her experience working in the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife and how wolves are faring in the state.
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife: Grey Wolf
Capital Press: Washington Wolf Lead Takes New Challenge
@thewolfconnectionpod
Sylvia Medina has been the President of Green Kids Club for almost 7 years. They focus on spreading the word about environmental issues relating to people and animals through storytelling. Green Kids Club works with conservation groups and writing children’s books related to environmental issues they are experiencing.
Sylvia described how Green Kids Club began, the process of writing stories for a younger audience, two upcoming wolf books The White Wolves of Yellowstone and The Wolf Matriarchs of Yellowstone, and the impacts her stories are able to have for animals across the globe.
She is partnering with Wolves of the Rockies, Rene Hersey, and Julie Argyle for The White Wolves of Yellowstone.
She is co-authoring The Wolf Matriarchs of Yellowstone with Doug Smith.
Buy Books from Green Kids Club
@sylvia_luvs_green
@greenkidsclub
@thewolfconnectionpod
Nicole Schmitt has been the Executive Director for Alaska Wildlife Alliance for over 6 years. They protect Alaska's wildlife through citizen mobilization, advocacy and education. Recently there have been calls to expand hunting and trapping around Denali National Park to protect moose and caribou herds.
Nicole spoke at length about Alaska Wildlife Alliance's mission, the issues surrounding hunting and trapping of wolves near Denali National Park, and the consequences on the ecosystem of not finding a long term solution for this piece of land designated as the Stampede Corridor.
@alaskawildlifealliance
Alaska Wildlife Alliance
Proposal 186
@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 the 3-part documentary series, 'Trapped In The Past' that discuss the history, economics, and flawed information used to promote trapping as ethical wildlife management.
All 3 parts of the documentary are now available to view on the EXPOSED Youtube Channel
@johnemarriott
@exposdwc
Trapped in the Past on YouTube
Exposed Wildlife Conservancy
@thewolfconnectionpod
This is the second edition of 'Wolf Tracks' where we discuss multiple wildlife issues and articles pertaining to wolves with Carter Niemeyer!
Carter 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:Federal Status Review Grey Wolves of NRMStatus Review Prompts Legal Action (WildEarth Guardians)Congressman Cohen, Nadler and Huffman Call for Ending the Use of Body-Gripping Animal TrapsRancher Not Surprised Colorado Wolves Already Near Wyoming State LineUtah Lawmaker wants more oversight on wolves returning to Utah
Ronan Donovan recently visited Wolf Connection, and we did our first ever onsite video podcast!
Check out the Wolf Connection YouTube Channel to see the episode premiere this afternoon here.
Ronan discussed his project called ‘Wolves: Photography Exhibit’ which is coming to Los Angeles soon!
For over a decade, Ronan has been a Conservation Filmmaker & Photographer. His work includes studying chimpanzees in Uganda, 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_donovan
Ronan Donovan Website
@wolfconnection
@thewolfconnectionpod
Austin Smith Jr. is a Tribal Member and the General Manager for the Branch of Natural Resources with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. He was part of a multi-person panel called “Face to Face with Oregon’s Wolves: Expert Perspectives” at the High Desert Museum in Oregon hosted by Ronan Donovan.
Austin detailed his journey growing up on the reservation, the many ecological issues he deals with in his profession, and the influence wolves have had in tribal teachings and on the land in Oregon.
@wascosmith_0317
Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
Nature Nights: Wild Horses, Wolves, and Other Wildlife of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation
@thewolfconnectionpod
Bridgett VonHoldt and Kristin Brzeski are the Director and Co-Director of the Gulf Coast Canine Project. The GCCP was created to encompass their research and the community-based approach they are developing to understand, monitor, and manage the unique canines persisting across the Gulf Coast.
With habitat being threatened of these unique canids on Galveston Island in Texas, the GCCP has looked at the ecological impact on "Ghost Wolves" and are trying to create environmentally conscious spaces.
Bridgett and Kristin went into detail about their expanded research, strategies to bring eco-tourists to Galveston Island, and form good practices for conservation, preservation and sustainable ecosystems.
Gulf Coast Canine Project
GCCP Fundraiser for Research
Ghost Wolves Town Hall
Galveston Coyotes Carry Red Wolf DNA (Video)
@gulfcoastcanineproject
@thewolfconnectionpod
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released their status review on grey wolves on February 2nd, stating that wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountain range will not be listed under the Endangered Species Act. This comes after 2 petitions were filed asking for wolves to be re-listed in this region of the Western United States nearly 3 years ago.
Kim Bean from Wolves of the Rockies joined us to discuss the status review, share her thoughts on the reasoning for this ruling, and what the future holds for wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountains.
*Read the findings from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service below*
USFWS Status Review on Grey Wolves in the NRM
Wolves of the Rockies
@wolves_of_the_rockies
@thewolfconnectionpod
Tom Gable is the Project Lead for Voyageurs Wolf Project and has been studying wolves in the Greater Voyageurs Ecosystem since 2014. Their ultimate goal is to couple cutting-edge, rigorous wolf research with highly-effective outreach and education.
Tom discussed some major topics at length: the effects of wolves on deer populations, wolves shifting beaver behaviors, and he also updated us on a huge non-lethal project to keep wolves off a ranch near Voyageurs National Park.
Voyageurs Wolf Project Website
@voyageurswolfproject
Wolves Alter the Trajectory of Forests
@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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Taylor Ganz is a Wildlife Ecologist who studies how humans and landscape factors influence interactions between species. For the Washington Predator-Prey Project, she evaluated how ungulates responded to predators, forage dynamics, and landscape change driven by humans, including wildfire and timber harvest.
Taylor spoke in detail about her research at the Washington Predator-Prey Project, the landscapes in Washington where the studies are being performed, and the future endeavors she's currently pursuing.
Washington Predator-Prey Project Website
Taylor Ganz Website
@trganz
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
Candace Dyar has been based in Washington State for over decade. Her goal as a photographer is to reach viewers on an emotional level, while also spreading awareness of the necessity and vitality of the natural and last true wild places that many either take for granted or might never experience at all.
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
Jordyn O'Gara recently graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth's Center for Environmental Education. At the International Wolf Symposium in October of 2022, she presented her curriculum designed for education about the myths surrounding wolves in the Midwest, and why they exist in the first place.
Jordyn went into detail about the curriculum she created, explaining the historical, social and cultural factors that have shaped our views on wolves from hundreds of years ago.
Deflating Myths About Gray Wolves Curriculum
Email Jordyn - jordy396@gmail.com
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
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
KC York is the President & Founder of Trap Free Montana since its inception in 2015. They represent hikers, anglers, hunters, wildlife watchers, ranchers, pet owners and outdoor enthusiasts concerned about or adamantly opposed to trapping.
KC discussed the issues surrounding trapping in Montana, some of the unethical methods of trapping that impact wildlife in the state, and the social, political, economic and domestic repercussions from these practices.
Trap Free Montana Website
@trapfreemt
Federal Wildlife Killing Program Challenged (Montana)
Notice of Intent Concerning Delayed USFWS on Wolf Relisting
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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 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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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!)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
@elena_ny2ca
@wolfconnection
Wolf Connection
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
UPDATE After this podcast was recorded, impactful news broke in the wolf community! As of February 10th, a federal judge has reinstated protections for grey wolves under the Endangered Species Act in 44 states, including Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota. Wolves in the Northern Rockies (Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana ) were not re-listed as part of the decision. You can read more about the ruling here: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/10/climate/wolves-endangered-species-list.html
Stephen and John discuss wolf articles pertaining to wolf hunts, impacts on livestock farming and coexistence measures around the United States. They point listeners to key episodes where these topics have been discussed and give updates on future guests.
@srprodllc
@calfanation
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.
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
Tom McNamee has authored multiple books, including The Return of the Wolf to Yellowstone & The Killing of Wolf Number Ten. He recently penned a guest essay in the New York Times describing the current wolf hunts in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming.
Tom discussed the ramifications wolf hunts are having economically, socially and ecologically in the western part of the United States. He gave his insights on the social and political divides as it relates to reinstating protections for wolves.
Tom McNamee Website
New York Times Essay
Business Coalition Opposes Wolf Hunts
For more information on how you can help re-list wolves:
Relist Wolves Now
Vicente Palacios has been studying Iberian wolves in Spain for over 20 years.
We covered several topics related to the wolves in Spain, wolf & human coexistence, wolf management and ecology, the history of wolves and what the future holds for the species moving forward.
Vicente also shared the differences between wolves in Spain and in Yellowstone National Park.
Iberian Wolf Howls
Wolf Howl Variations
@wolfconnection
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.
Matt Thomas has been a volunteer at Wolf Connection since 2016. He is now pursuing his DVM (doctor of veterinary medicine) degree at the WIMU Regional Program in Veterinary Medicine. Currently, he is attending Utah State University and will transfer to Washington State University for his final two years of study.
@mattinahat16
@wolfconnection
Wolf Connection Website
It's our first international episode!
Barbara Marti is a PhD student and researcher at the University of Oviedo in Spain. She was part of a study that looked at the acoustic communication of wolves in North America and Spain. Their research even discovered an interaction between a wolf and two Great Horned Owls in Yellowstone! (Check the description for a link to the audio).
Barbara explained the overall findings, her personal expectations moving forward and insight into the wolf/human dynamic in Spain.
Barbara Marti Research
Wolf & Owl Interaction Audio
@wolfconnection
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.
Morgan Heim is a wildlife photojournalist, filmmaker and adventurer focusing on wildlife-human coexistence. Her goal is to find the beauty, humor and perseverance in the struggle to make the world a better place.
Morgan spoke about her journey from scientific studies to photography, how she combines the two in her work, and the future of her work with conservation causes.
morganheim.com
@moheim
@wolfconnection
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.
Julie Argyle has been photographing wildlife since she was 8 years old. She has spent many years in and around Yellowstone National Park taking photos and sharing her work with the public.
Julie shared many stories from her encounters in Yellowstone, her deep connection to the Wapiti Lake pack and how she continues to advocate for wolves and other species through her photography.
@wildloveimages_julieargyle
Wolves Western Warriors - Pre-Order
@wolfconnection
Wolf Connection
Tom Gable is the Project Lead for the Voyageurs Wolf Project based in the Greater Voyageurs Ecosystem in Northern Minnesota. One of their main goals is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the summer ecology of wolves.
Tom spoke about the project's overall findings, the wolf & beaver predator-prey relationship within the ecosystem and how their research is providing critical information on wolves in boreal ecosystems.
Voyageurs Wolf Project
@voyageurswolfproject
@wolfconnection
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.
Ted Heistman is an artist who uses clay to make sculptures of animals both past and present. He recently sculpted a wolf, and donated the proceeds to Wolf Connection.
We spoke about Ted rediscovering his passion in sculpting, how he decided to donate to Wolf Connection and the future plans for his clay sculptures.
@utoggsoup
@wolfconnection
Wolf Connection
Jon T. Coleman is a Professor of History at the University of Notre Dame. He has authored 3 books including Vicious: Wolves and Men in America which documents the fraught relationship between early American settlers and wolves over three centuries.
We spoke about his book, the research that went into writing it and the revelations he discovered during the process.
Vicious: Wolves and Men in America can be purchased on Amazon and other book retailers.
Vicious on Amazon
Jon T. Coleman website
@wolfconnection
Wolf Connection
Dan Vermillion was the former Montana Fish & Wildlife Commissioner and Chairman for over 10 years. Dan and other former Commissioners penned a guest essay in the Mountain Journal stating their opposition to Montana's current state regulations regarding wolves.
He spoke to us about his time as Commissioner, where he believes the divide on wolves is coming from and how Montana got to the place it is today on wolf policy.
@danvermillion
Sweet Water Travel
Wolf Connection
Monica Stahlmann is the author of the children's book Trumpet the Miracle Wolf Pup and Regan Downey is the Director of Education for the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, NY.
Monica and Regan spoke about the events leading up to the creation of the book, how both are involved with the Wolf Conservation Center and the message they are looking to send with the publication of the book.
Trumpet the Magical Wolf Pup can be purchased through Amazon and other online retailers, 50% of all the profits will go to the Wolf Conservation Center.
Trumpet on Amazon
Wolf Conservation Center
@wolfconservationcenter
@wolfconnection
Jen GaNun is a vocalist and choreographer for the performance group Lost Walks since their inception in 2014. The group is rooted in movement, music, collaboration and conservation. By partnering with wildlife organizations, they are working to raise awareness, empathy and action toward protecting wolves and returning them to Colorado.
Jen explained Lost Walks journey as they became advocates for wolves, their partnership with the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project, and the concept of both their records.
Wolf, Woman, Man is available on the Lost Walks website at lostwalksband.com & the prequel album Blood Lantern releases in 4-parts on bloodlantern.com.
Lost Walks Website
Bloodlantern.com
@jganun
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 spoke primarily on the wolf hunts in Montana, the steps being taken to reverse recent legislation against wolves in the western Unites States and how the general public can get involved in these causes.
Wolves of The Rockies
Relist Wolves
@wolves_of_the_rockies
@wolfconnection
Daniel Curry 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.
Daniel spoke about his journey to G.R.I.P.H., the wildlife issues that are present in the state of Washington and how he is working to create a balanced approach to non-lethal conflict mitigation between animals and humans.
Griphs.com
Wolf Connection
@wolfconnection
Bob Hayes studied wolves in the Yukon for nearly 20 years. In 2010 he published his first book, Wolves of the Yukon detailing his research and findings.
Bob spoke to us in detail about the studies that were done on the predator/prey relationships in the Yukon, becoming an author and the future of wolves from his perspective.
Wolves of the Yukon and the Zhoh Trilogy are available on his website bobhayesyukon.com & Amazon.
Bob Hayes Website
Wolf Connection
@wolfconnection
Afsoon has been with Wolf Connection for just under a year, but has already immersed herself in caring for the pack and assisting with programs. She is constantly looking to gain knowledge to better herself and the team at Wolf Connection.
Afsoon has taken incredible pictures of the pack at Wolf Connection which you can find all over her Instagram page!
@afsoonerorlater
@wolfconnection
Dr. John Vucetich has been working on the Isle Royale Wolf & Moose Project for over 30 years. He is a distinguished Professor at Michigan Technological University where he teaches Wildlife Ecology and Environmental Ethics.
We spoke with him about his time working on the Isle Royale project, his thoughts about the Endangered Species Act and the state of wolves in the present day.
His new book, Restoring the Balance: What Wolves Tell Us about Our Relationship with Nature debuts in early October.
Isle Royal Wolf-Moose Project
John Vucetich Staff Page
Restoring the Balance Pre-Order
Podcast host John Calfa recounts the events leading up to volunteering and ultimately working at Wolf Connection. He speaks of the people and wolves that have influenced his journey, as well as exploring the impact of working programs, interacting with different members of the Wolf Connection pack and the creation of the podcast.
@calfanation
@wolfconnection
Wolf Connection
Dr. Mark Johnson is a Wildlife Veterinarian, Instructor, and the Founder & President of Global Wildlife Resources.
Dr. Mark's highest priority is to handle every animal with care, compassion, and respect; while also incorporating those heart-felt values into tools, techniques, and mannerisms. This leads to greater success in the field, better animal care, greater joy in the work being done and a steady desire to always do better.
We spoke about his career and how he incorporates his vast knowledge and expertise into his courses that are taught to students, agencies and organizations across the United States.
Wildlife Capture & Care
Foundations of Wildlife Chemical Capture
David Ausband is a Wildlife Research Biologist for the U.S. Geological Survey working in Idaho. He has been studying behavioral ecology in predators for over 15 years and teaches at the University of Idaho.
David discussed his work as it relates to wolf pack densities, the information he gathers through non-invasive methods and the impact on wolves with increasing trapping and hunting in Idaho.
David Ausband Faculty Page
@wolfconnection
Wolf Connection
Pat Jennings has been wolf watching since 2007 and is a staple in the wolf advocacy community. Riding in the 'Wolfmobile', Pat has passed his love of the outdoors to his daughter Kristin, who weaves parts of their adventures into her teaching career.
Pat spoke about his journey to becoming an avid wolf watcher and advocate, his visit to Wolf Connection and the bond he and his daughter share of the outdoors.
The '06 Legacy Page
Wolf Connection
@wolfconnection
Kurt Holtzen is a field advisor for both the Wood River Wolf Project and Lava Lake Lamb which are based in Hailey, Idaho. He is also a Steering Committee Member for the Wood River Wolf Project.
Kurt came on to discuss coexistence measures being used with predators for Lava Lake Lamb, his thoughts on Idaho State Bill 1211 and his role for both organizations as a field advisor.
Lava Lake Lamb
@wilderness_trails_project
Wood River Wolf Project
Doris has been with Wolf Connection for 8 years and a 'Lead of Day' for over 5 years. She is always willing to share stories, photos and memories about the wolves and wolf dogs that have graced Wolf Connection over the years.
Doris's Instagram page is full of wolf photos she's taken over the years, sharing her own personal touch on the moments that have impacted her life in the time she has been with Wolf Connection.
@snowyriver7
@wolfconnection
Wolf Connection
Wolf Connection's Director of Programs Amanda Beer drops by to talk about the effects COVID-19 had on programs this past year at Wolf Heart Ranch.
Amanda discusses the challenges, revelations and perseverance she and the program team went through during those times. She also updates us on the new programs and curriculums that are coming soon from Wolf Connection!
@amandawolfconnection
Wolf Connection Programs
@wolfconnection
John Wood was a professional golf caddy for almost 25 years and is now an on-course reporter with the Golf Channel and NBC. When he's not on the course, John spends time in Yellowstone National Park watching wolves and other wildlife with veteran wolf trackers Rick McIntyre, Laurie Lyman and many others.
John joined us at Wolf Connection for a visit after our paths crossed in Yellowstone. He spoke about his time with our pack, his career and how wolf watching became an integral part of his life.
@johnwould
@wolfconnection
Alex Few has been a Working Wild Challenge Coordinator for nearly 2 years with the Western Landowners Alliance. They work to create health and prosperity of working lands in the American West for ranchers, landowners and farmers. Western Landowners Alliance advances policies and practices that sustain working lands, connected landscapes, and native species.
Alex discussed her background before joining the WLA, her role in the organization now and the steps being taken to ensure that fair and balanced policies are enacted to help humans, landscapes and wildlife across the western United States.
Western Landowners Alliance
Working Wild Challenge
Humans of the Working Wild
For more than 30 years, National Geographic photographers Jim and Jamie Dutcher have focused their lives on the study and documentation of wolf behavior. As two of America's most knowledgeable experts on wolves, they are devoted to sharing their unique background for the betterment and understanding of this keystone species.
Jim and Jamie spoke about their film project Living with Wolves, their non-profit organization by the same name and the impacts of Idaho's recent passage of State Bill 1211.
Living with Wolves
@living_w_wolves
@wolfconnection
Brett Ochs gave us the perspective of a hunter who is a pro-wolf advocate. Brett has been hunting the majority of his life and believes that wolves belong on the natural landscape. He is part of the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project, helping to re-establish wolves on the Western Slope of Colorado.
He told us about his upbringing, his journey into conservation of carnivores and the plight of hunters who are looking to speak up for carnivores in the wild - including wolves.
Brett on Twitter @symbiosisone
Rocky Mountain Wolf Project
Ignite Boulder Talk
Alicia gave us the unique opportunity to speak with a former caretaker of one our very own Wolf Connection pack, Jax!
She describes her history with Jax, the journey they took to get to Wolf Connection and valuable insight on finding placement for wolves and wolf dogs.
@aliciaa_jones
@wolfconnection
Wolf Connection Pack
Wes is a Grammy nominated performer, songwriter and producer. He sat down and talked about his journey from Nashville to California, his career in music and the impact the wolves at Wolf Connection have had on his life.
He also performs his song Beautiful Life off of the album All the Plans Have Changed
Wes has recorded 3 albums Down In Flames, All The Plans Have Changed & Sheltering Skywhich are available on all streaming services.
Wes Hutchinson YouTube
@wesleygee
Wolf Connection
Laurie Lyman is a dedicated wolf watcher and advocate who has been studying wolves for over 15 years. She largely contributed to the book American Wolf and can often be found in the field with noted wolf researcher Rick McIntyre.
Laurie spoke about her path to wolf watching, the special relationship she had with Wolf '06 and how you can follow the daily updates on wildlife in Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone Reports
Wolf Connection
@wolfconnection
Sarah Michael is the Community Chair for the Wood River Wolf Project Steering Committee. She was elected to the Board of County Commissioners and served from 2000-2008. Sarah led the county’s initiative on the Wood River Wolf Project and county efforts to enact stronger protections for wildlife, water quality, agricultural lands, and to reduce urban sprawl.
Sarah spoke about Idaho State Bill 1211 which was recently passed by the governor. It expands the hunting and trapping of wolves, making a push to eliminate close to 90% of the state's current population of wolves.
Wood River Wolf Project
@woodriverwolfproject
Wolf Connection
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.
Adrian spoke about his time as a wildlife manager and biologist, the intricacies of Wisconsin's wildlife landscape and his role with wolves in the state both past and present.
Timber Wolf Alliance
Wisconsin's Green Fire
@wolfconnection
Delia Malone is the Wildlife Chair for the Sierra Club's Colorado Chapter and an Ecologist with the Colorado Natural Heritage Program.
Delia spoke about the ecological impacts that the wolf reintroduction could have on Colorado's West Slope, the history of wolves in Colorado and how the state is managing expectations for the reintroduction.
Rocky Mountain Wolf Project
Sierra Club Colorado
Wolf Connection
Wolf Connection's Pack Services Manager, Elena Albanese, joins John, Stephen, and Renee to share their personal stories from their recent trip to Yellowstone National Park. They also recall the changing dynamics between bison and elk within the park and discuss the possibility of wolves evolving to kill larger prey.
Wolf Connection
@calfanation
@srprodllc
@reneealfero22
@elena_ny2ca
Podcast Producer Stephen Rivera, Wolf Connection Behavior Specialist Renee Alfero, and host John Calfa recap their recent experience in Yellowstone National Park. Learn more about the amazing people they met, new information about wolves, Yellowstone’s ecosystem, and how humans affect the wildlife inside the park.
Wolf Connection
@wolfconnection
@srprodllc
@calfanation
Adrian Treves is the founder of the Carnivore Coexistence Lab based in Madison, Wisconsin. His research focuses on ecology, law, and human dimensions of ecosystems in which crop and livestock ownership overlaps the habitat of large carnivores from coyotes up to grizzly bears. Adrian earned his PhD at Harvard University in 1997 and is a Professor of Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Adrian spoke about his start in carnivore coexistence in Africa, the parallels he saw with wolves in North America and the dynamics of wolf recovery and management in Wisconsin.
Wolf Connection
Adrian Treves
Carnivore Coexistence Lab (Wolves)
Ellen has studied and investigated the effects of pathogen infections on social groups within wolf and elk populations in Yellowstone National Park. Her research is focused in canine distemper virus, sarcoptic mange, and chronic wasting disease. She has also been involved in research that informs wolf management, such as disease risk analyses for endangered species act petitions and wolf re-introductions.
Ellen spoke about the effects of these diseases & pathogens in wolf packs and how they can impact multiple facets of their life.
Ellen Brandell
@eeeeeeb8
Wolf Connection
Karin is the founder and director of Working Circle, a comprehensive community-based program dedicated to supporting working ranch stewardship to ensure that wolves, livestock, and people can thrive on shared landscapes in today's world. The effort continues to focus on sustainable and long-term strategies to reduce wolf-livestock conflict; strategies that unite rather than divide the values and views of urban and rural communities surrounding sustainable ranching and large predator conservation.
Karin spoke about her path to working with wolves, Working Circle's mission and personal experiences from her career.
Working Circle
Wolf Connection
Rachel Tilseth has been a volunteer winter wolf tracker for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources since 2000. Rachel has also worked with the Wisconsin Wolf Recovery Program since 1998. She is an author for the Wolves of Douglas County News website as well as an artist, educator and environmentalist.
Rachel joined us to discuss the recent wolf hunt in Wisconsin that took place in February of 2021, and the steps that are being taken to change how wolves are managed in the state.
Wolves of Douglas County Wisconsin
Wisconsin Wolf Management Plan
Wolf Connection
Wendi McLendon-Covey is an actress and comedian who stars in the television series Reno 911! (Comedy Central)& The Goldbergs (ABC)and played a supporting role in the movie Bridesmaids (2011). She has been in multiple movies and television shows over the course of her career and is currently involved in three new releases: Sylvie's Love, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, and Long Weekend.
Wendi spoke to us about her career and the profound effect Wolf Connection has had on her since first visiting. Wendi and her husband Greg have sponsored Annie for the last few years and continue to be supportive members of our pack.
@wendimclendoncovey
The Goldbergs
@wolfconnection
Suzanne has spent over 30+ years looking to restore wolves to the Rockies and Pacific Northwest. She was a member of both the Idaho and Yellowstone wolf reintroduction teams that restored wolves to central Idaho and Yellowstone National Park. She is co-founder of the Wood River Wolf Project which promotes the coexistence of livestock and wolves by proactively using non-lethal measures to prevent depredation.
Suzanne spoke about her experiences in the Idaho wolf reintroduction project, the mission and success of the Wood River Wolf Project, and how their non-lethal methods are being used across the globe.
Wood River Wolf Project
International Wildlife Coexistence Network
Wolf Connection
Mike Phillips has played a key role in wolf conservation and recovery for 40+ years. He was part of the red wolf & gray wolf recovery efforts in the 1990's and is a founding member of the Turner Endangered Species Fund and Turner Biodiversity Divisions. As a former Democratic legislator in Montana, Mike helped inform the public about Colorado Proposition 114, which will be reintroducing gray wolves back to Colorado west of the continental divide.
Mike offered his thoughts on the Colorado wolf reintroduction project, his work throughout the years, and the state of wolves & our natural world as it stands today.
Rocky Mountain Wolf Project
Turner Endangered Species Fund
Wolf Connection
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.
He spoke about growing up in Iowa, his time spent as a government trapper and the experiences he had as he helped bring wolves back into the western United States.
CarterNiemeyer.com
Wolfer & Wolf Land
wolfconnection.org
*Click the link to view Kate's pictures that we discuss on the podcast* https://www.instagram.com/p/CLe9h2eAgtg/?igshid=sg4hdl5rcgp1
Kate Ochsman is a wildlife photographer, certified South African Safari Guide and conservationist. She has traveled the globe photographing, guiding and conserving wildlife until it landed her in Montana - on the doorstep of Yellowstone National Park.
Kate spoke about her artistic process and the techniques she uses while taking photographs of animals, all while being non-invasive to the natural landscape. She shared with us 4 photos of wolves that have impacted her on a personal level. Her work can be seen at the links below.
KateOchsman.com
@kateochsman
Wolf Connection
Maddy Jackson is a Project Technician with the Yellowstone Wolf Project. She is currently working on studies pertaining to wolf scat and the information that can be gathered non-invasively from wolf packs. She has a B.S. in Ecology/Evolution/Behavior from the University of Minnesota and currently resides in Gardiner, Montana.
Maddy described growing up in Minnesota close to the Superior National Forest & The Boundary Waters. She talks about her work for wolves in Minnesota, Idaho and Yellowstone and the studies she's conducting with the Yellowstone Wolf Project.
@mountain_maddy
International Wolf Center
Wildlife Science Center
Wolf Connection
Taylor Bland has been a wildlife guide and wolf observer for over 2 years with Yellowstone Wolf Tracker. She graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Zoology, studied abroad at Kruger National Park in South Africa and now sits on the board of the International Wolf Center in Ely, Minnesota.
Taylor talks about her guiding style when she takes groups around Yellowstone. She also discusses the effects she sees that photography and videography are having on wolves in the park and how wolves may be becoming habituated to human presence inside and outside the park.
Yellowstone Wolf Tracker
@taylorlbland
@wolfconnection
Jack Rabe is currently obtaining his Master's Degree in Conservation Sciences at the University of Minnesota in conjunction with the Yellowstone Wolf/Elk/Cougar projects. Jack has studied all 3 species at length as a Biological Technician and examined the dynamics they have within Yellowstone National Park. He has a B.S. in Forest, Fishery and Wildlife from The Ohio State University.
Jack discusses prey sites of elk and bison, how wolves & cougars differ in the way meat is consumed on a carcass and how they impact each other on the landscape. We also touch on possible migration shifts in elk & bison out west and how that is affecting wolf packs in Yellowstone National Park.
@jrabe21
Cougars in Yellowstone National Park
Cycles and Process in Yellowstone National Park
@wolfconnection
Dylan Sanborn is an Avian Field Technician and Park Ranger in Yellowstone National Park. He has studied corvids and raptors for the last few years and their impact on the environment inside the park.
Dylan joined us to discuss the unique dynamic between birds and wolves - specifically ravens - since wolves have rejoined the landscape. He spoke about foraging strategies and pack detections used by different bird species, and gave us his thoughts on the future of wolves being reintroduced into Colorado.
@hikingbird
Yellowstone Bird Studies
@wolfconnection
Rick Lamplugh is an Amazon best selling author who has written 3 books, including In The Temple of Wolves: A Winter's Immersion in Wild Yellowstone,and Deep Into Yellowstone: A Year's Immersion in Grandeur & Controversy.A naturalist and wildlife advocate, Rick weaves his knowledge and experience into all of his works. He writes and speaks about wildlife to help preserve wild lands across the United States.
Rick spoke to us about In The Temple of Wolves,his experiences within Yellowstone National Park and the advocacy work he's currently involved in on behalf of wolves in the United States.
Rick Lamplugh Books on Amazon
Rick Lamplugh Blog
Rick Lamplugh on Facebook
Wolf Tracker, Naturalist and Field Biologist Nathan Varley studied the relationship and impact between wolves and elk in Yellowstone National Park for almost 20 years. He was involved in the Yellowstone Gray Wolf Recovery Project and studied the environmental impacts of reintroducing wolves to the park.
Nathan and his wife Linda Thurston now run a wildlife guide service called Yellowstone Wolf Tracker where they specialize in providing a rich natural history experience to see wildlife in Yellowstone National Park.
Nathan discusses growing up with Yellowstone in his backyard, the time spent studying wolves, elk and the ecosystems since the reintroduction and starting his own wildlife guide service.
@wolftracker
Yellowstone Wolf Tracker Company
@wolfconnection
Wolf Tales explores the journeys of Wolf Connection's staff and volunteers explaining how they made their way to Wolf Connection and the impact that the wolves and the organization has had on their lives.
Stephen Rivera relocated to Los Angeles from Connecticut at 23 years old and joined Wolf Connection in 2018. He has immersed himself in all forms of media at Wolf Connection from photography, videography and musical production. Stephen is also the co-host and producer of 'The Wolf Connection' podcast and helps with the care, feeding and enrichment of the pack at Wolf Connection.
When he's not with the wolves, Stephen runs his own production company called SR Productions LLC where he collaborates on many different projects for music and film.
@srprodllc
Stephen Rivera Link Tree
@wolfconnection
Forrest Galante is the host of Animal Planet's Extinct or Alivewhere he travels the world in search of species on the brink of extinction or species believed to be extinct. He is truly passionate about education and helping people save our planet. As a conservationist, he attempts to leave a positive biological impact in every place he visits.
Forrest works with a variety of conservation groups from around the world doing outreach and helping spread awareness and understanding of wildlife and environments in need.
He spoke with us about growing up in Zimbabwe, the path to being a biologist, conservationist and television host, and his journey to Wolf Connection.
Extinct or Alive on Animal Planet
ForrestGalante.com
@forrest.galante
@wolfconnection
Jeremy SunderRaj is a Biological Science Technician for the Yellowstone Wolf Project. He discusses his path from being a visitor at Yellowstone National Park at the age of 11 to working alongside Doug Smith and Rick McIntyre. Jeremy describes what wolf hazing is, the benefits it has to wolves in Yellowstone National Park and sheds light on the current state of wolf populations in the Western United States.
Before working at Yellowstone National Park, Jeremy spent three summers trapping and collaring wolves for the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department. He then became a wildlife guide as a Yellowstone Wolf Tracker before getting a full-time position with the Yellowstone Wolf Project. Jeremy has a B.S. in Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana.
Yellowstone Wolf Project
@critter_chaser
@wolfconnection
Miguel Rivera has been doing healing work for over 40 years and leads multiple ceremonies that include talking circles, vision quests and has participated in over 5,000 sweat lodges. He is a founding member of the Western Gate Roots and Wings Foundation, a member of the Guild of Future Architects and a Board Member for Wolf Connection.
Miguel joined us to discuss his journey to learn these ceremonies from Native American elders, how he uses these teachings to help youth, veterans and rehab participants from all cultures, and also his work with Wolf Connection. Through all these organizations, Miguel looks to bring people into a collaborative, kind, inclusive and prosperous world.
Western Gate Roots and Wings Foundation
Guild of Future Architects
Wolf Connection
@wolfconnection
Wolf Tales explores the journeys of Wolf Connection's staff and volunteers explaining how they made their way to Wolf Connection and the impact that the wolves and the organization has had on their lives.
Annette Golden relocated from Chicago, Illinois more than 7 years ago and now serves as Wolf Connection's Operations Coordinator, an interdepartmental support and advisory role that changes with the needs of the organization. Annette also helps with the care, feeding and enrichment of the pack at Wolf Connection.
@agolden629
@wolfconnection
wolfconnection.org
Research Associate and Biologist for the Yellowstone Wolf Project with Yellowstone Forever, Kira Cassidy joins the podcast to discuss her findings on pack dynamics, mortality rates of wolves, pack altercations and the impact of elder wolves within the packs in Yellowstone. Kira also talks about the longest surviving wolf pack in Yellowstone, the Mollie's Pack.
Kira Cassidy has been with the Wolf Project for 14 years and a Research Associate for 9 years. Kira holds her M.S. degree from the University of Minnesota, with projects focusing on territoriality and aggression between packs of gray wolves. She is stationed at Mammoth Hot Springs, near the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
Gray Wolf Information Yellowstone
Kira Cassidy Tedx Talk
Yellowstone Wolves Book Pre-Order
@kira_cassidy
Wolf Tales explores the journeys of Wolf Connection's staff and volunteers explaining how they made their way to Wolf Connection and the impact that the wolves and the organization has had on their lives.
Kris Espiritu is a volunteer at Wolf Connection who is also an environmental & outdoor educator where he provides experiential nature-based learning for grades K-12. He teaches about the interdependence between ecosystems, humans role as stewards of the environment and team building skills.
@thenatureinquisitive
@wolfconnection
Sportscaster and the first and only female NBA scout for the Los Angeles Lakers Bonnie-Jill Laflin discusses her career, her journey to Wolf Connection and the special bond she formed with one of our pack ancestors Beau.
Bonnie-Jill Laflin has cheered in both the NBA and NFL and earned 5 championships rings as an executive for Lakers. She is currently a co-host of KNBR’s “Murph and Mac” Show, ranked #2 in the country, reporter for NBC Sports Bay Area and host of the Westwood One podcast “The Weekly Pass”. Beyond her professional ventures, Laflin is committed to and passionate about animal welfare and the nation’s veterans, founding the non-profit Hounds and Heroes.
@bonniejill
Hounds and Heroes
@wolfconnection
Wolf Tales explores the journeys of Wolf Connection's staff and volunteers explaining how they made their way to Wolf Connection and the impact that the wolves and the organization has had on their lives.
Micha Thomas is a Wolf Connection Program Lead and an Associate Marriage & Family therapist and group facilitator. She is also the founder of weREWILD, which is a research-based psychological, anthropological and story-centered organization, emphasizing therapeutic engagement in the natural world. Micha has a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Depth Psychology from Pacifica Graduate University.
weREWILD
@michaleethomas
@wolfconnection
Rick McIntyre, who has been observing and studying wolves in Yellowstone National Park for over 20 years, discusses two of his books, 'The Rise of Wolf 8' and 'The Reign of Wolf 21'. He talks in detail about the life stories of two of Yellowstone's most famous alpha male wolves and other personal stories from his time in the park.
In his over 40 years of work, Rick has worn many hats - as a naturalist, Wolf Interpreter and Biological Technician (wolf research). He has amassed over 100,000 wolf sightings. For 15 years, he went out for 6,175 straight days and in one stretch saw wolves on 892 consecutive days. Though retired, he still studies and observes wolves at Yellowstone National Park.
He is currently working on two more books for his Alpha Wolves of Yellowstone Series.
Rise of Wolf 8 & Reign of Wolf 21 are available on Amazon and other book retailers and are published by Greystone Books.
Rise of Wolf 8 - Amazon
Reign of Wolf 21 - Amazon
@wolfconnection
Amaroq Weiss, the Senior West Coast Wolf Advocate, discusses federal and state protections for wolves in California, Oregon and Washington. She talks about how each state is managing wolves in their area and what the future holds for wolf populations in the United States.
A biologist and former attorney, Amaroq has worked on wolf issues in the northern Rockies, Alaska, the Southwest, Pacific West and at the Federal level, for 23 years. She was a stakeholder/advisor for the drafting of Oregon and California’s state wolf plans, and currently focuses on wolf management by state wildlife agencies, commissions and legislatures in Washington, Oregon, and California. Amaroq has previously worked for the Mexican Wolf Conservation Fund, Defenders of Wildlife, and the California Wolf Center.
@centerforbiodiv
Center for Biological Diversity - Facebook
Center for Biological Diversity - Homepage
Wolves on the West Coast
Amanda Beer and Micha Thomas are back to continue our conversation about the 'Women & Wolves' program and discuss the wolves that have influenced and impacted the program.
Amanda is a licensed psychologist and educator, and at Wolf Connection® she collaborates with the wolf pack and human program team to facilitate powerful opportunities for awareness, connection, healing, and growth. Amanda earned her PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and her clinical training and experience has focused on multicultural competence, group interventions, and mindfulness-based approaches to wellness.
Micha is an Associate Marriage & Family therapist, group facilitator, and founder of weREWILD, a research-based psychological, anthropological and story-centered organization, emphasizing therapeutic engagement in the natural world. Micha has a masters degree in counseling psychology with an emphasis on depth psychology from Pacifica Graduate University.
@amandawolfconnection
@michaleethomas
@wolfconnection
Wolf Connection's Director of Programs Amanda Beer and Wolf Connection Program Lead Micha Thomas sit down to discuss the origins of the 'Women and Wolves' program and why it's become a staple program offered through Wolf Connection.
Amanda is a licensed psychologist and educator, and at Wolf Connection® she collaborates with the wolf pack and human program team to facilitate powerful opportunities for awareness, connection, healing, and growth. Amanda earned her PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and her clinical training and experience has focused on multicultural competence, group interventions, and mindfulness-based approaches to wellness.
Micha is an Associate Marriage & Family therapist, group facilitator, and founder of weREWILD, a research-based psychological, anthropological and story-centered organization, emphasizing therapeutic engagement in the natural world. Micha has a masters degree in counseling psychology with an emphasis on depth psychology from Pacifica Graduate University.
@amandawolfconnection
@michaleethomas
@wolfconnection
Founder and Executive Director of Street Poets Inc. & Wolf Connection Board Member Chris Henrikson talks about his 23+ years of supporting youth and young adults around the Los Angeles area.
He has served as a consultant and retreat facilitator for a wide range of companies and organizations including Snap Inc. and the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC).
Streetpoetsinc.com
@christopherhenrikson
@wolfconnection
wolfconnection.org
Vice Principal and On-site Administrator of Phoenix H.S. in Lancaster, CA, JR Chatman joins us to discuss the impact that Wolf Connection's youth programs continues to have on the students who participate in the program and how the partnership began between Wolf Connection and the Antelope Valley School District.
JR Chatman has been in education over 20 years and has been a pivotal individual in building and fostering the relationship with Wolf Connection that's helped countless students over the years. JR empowers students to move beyond the challenges of their life circumstances to realize academic achievement and personal potential, and enter adulthood with resilience and self-efficacy.
Wolf Connection Youth Programs
@wolfconnection
wolfconnection.org
Scientist, ecologist, naturalist and educator Dr. Jim Halfpenny shares his experiences from the wolf re-introduction project in Yellowstone 25 years ago. He discusses his views and ideas on how humans, wolves and other species can coexist in North America in today's landscape.
Jim Halfpenny has over 50 years of experience researching carnivores in North America and across the globe. He has written over 25 books, including co-authoring Charting Yellowstone Wolves: 25th Anniversary Edition with Leo Leckie and Shauna Baron. It's available to purchase on Amazon or tracknature.com. Check out your app stores for Yellowstone Wolves 2020.
tracknature.com
tracksceneinvestigation.com
halfpenny.me
@wolfconnection
CEO and Founder of Wolf Connection Teo Alfero drops by again to discuss the process of writing his first book, the wolves and humans that influenced him and the overall message he hopes you receive.
'The Wolf Connection: What Wolves Can Teach Us About Being Human' is published by Simon & Schuster and is available on Amazon and other book retailers.
Wolf Connection on Amazon
@alferoteo
teoalfero.com
@wolfconnection
Piper and Devin join us to discuss the ongoing studies they are conducting with the youth programs at Wolf Connection, and the experiences they had while interacting with the students.
Devin Larsen is President and Knowledge Curator at Ascending Edge Creative Evaluation. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D studying Evaluation & Applied Research Methods at Claremont Graduate University. Devin has assisted programs realizing their social mission through measuring impact and improving performance.
Piper Grandjean Targos is President and Improvement Catalyst at Ascending Edge Creative Evaluation. She received her master’s degree from CGU in Psychology, with an emphasis on research methods and data analysis. She has worked as both an internal and external evaluator, helping non-profits achieve their social outcomes.
Edge Eval
@wolfconnection
wolfconnection.org
Wolf Connection's resident wild wolf expert Leo Leckie is back! On this episode we discuss a wolf pack residing in California and two well known wolf packs that continue to thrive in Yellowstone National Park.
Leo is a Lead of Program Education at Wolf Connection and is the co-creator of the Yellowstone Wolf Family Tree which includes life stories of over 1,200 wolves from Yellowstone National Park. He is also a co-author of Charting Yellowstone Wolves: 25th Anniversary Edition which is available on Amazon.
@leoleckie
@wolfconnection
wolfconnection.org
CEO & Founder of Audiojack, David Tobin joins the podcast this week to discuss how Audiojack was started and the benefits it offers to students, teachers and you! He also plays a sample of the 'Wolf' Audiojack created with our very own wolves from the Wolf Connection pack (Headphones recommended).
Want to hear the full version of “Wolf”? Download the Audiojack app and if you use this link, https://www.audiojack.com/shop/plans/wolfconnection 100% of sales will go to Wolf Connection during the first 30 days of this episode airing! Not only will you get access to “Wolf", but the full Audiojack library as well! Click the link to learn more and sign up. Howls to you all!
audiojack.com
@audiojack
@David_tobin
@wolfconnection
Renee Alfero is back! This time she drops in to talk about how guests, students and volunteers are all able to bond with the Wolf Connection pack and the lasting impact it has moving forward.
Renee oversees the socialization of the rescued wolves and wolf-dogs and the general care taking training for volunteers. She collaborates with the Co-Leads of Pack Services to ensure that volunteers and staff are following safety procedures and are consistent with animal and human interactions.
@reneealfero22
wolfconnection.org
Julia Huffman, Director of the award-winning documentary Medicine of the Wolf joins us for a discussion about the making of the film and the impact it has made on her life. It stars world-renowned National Geographic photographer Jim Brandenburg and is available to stream on Amazon Prime, Hulu & iTunes.
Julia has been a proud supporter of Wolf Connection since 2014 and several other wolf and environmental groups around the country.
https://medicineofthewolf1.vhx.tv/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedicineOfTheWolf/
@juliahuffman11
wolfconnection.org
@wolfconnection
Lara Wickes, Executive Producer & President of Canyon Road Films, speaks about the influence wolves have had on her throughout her life and the impact Wolf Connection has made since Lara first sponsored Wolf Connection's Wolfee in 2017.
Lara Wickes is an Emmy Nominated and Promax Award Winning Producer. Hailing from Toronto, Canada, she has been immersed in television and film production for over 25 years and has helmed the completion of several web series, short films, and features as well as hundreds of television promos.
canyonroadfilms.com
@wolf_wickes
wolfconnection.org
@wolfconnection
Ana joins us to discuss her 20+ years of sound healing, Kundalini Yoga and meditation experience and how she came to partner with Wolf Connection.
Ana Netanel is a Sound Healer and Kundalini Yoga Teacher who performs sound baths which is an acoustic sound healing journey using a wide variety of ancient sound healing instruments including planetary tuned gongs, crystal singing bowls,Tibetan bowls and gongs.
shaktisoundbath.com
@ananetanel
wolfconnection.org
@wolfconnection
Wolf Connection's resident wild wolf expert Leo Leckie joins us to talk about his decade long work in Yellowstone as a wolf tracker, guide and researcher, how he made his way to Wolf Connection and incredible stories of the wolf packs in Yellowstone.
Leo is a Lead of Program Education at Wolf Connection and is the co-creator of the Yellowstone Wolf Family Tree which includes life stories of over 1,200 wolves from Yellowstone National Park. He is also a co-author of Charting Yellowstone Wolves: 25th Anniversary Edition which is available on Amazon.
@leoleckie
wolfconnection.org
Renee Alfero, Wolf Connection's Lead of Pack Behavior talks about the pack dynamics and behaviors that occur with the wolves and wolfdogs up at Wolf Connection. She also discusses what goes into a wolf rescue and the differences between captive & wild wolves and domestic dogs.
Renee oversees the socialization of the rescued wolfdogs and general caretaking training for volunteers. She collaborates with the Co-Leads of Pack Services to ensure that volunteers and staff are following safety procedures and are consistent with animal and human interactions.
@reneealfero22
wolfconnection.org
Amanda Beer, Wolf Connection's Director of Programs, discusses how youth and adults from around Los Angeles benefit from participating in Wolf Connection's programs. She shares her story of how she came to Wolf Connection®, and experiences that she's witnessed through her work with youth and adults during the programs.
Amanda is a licensed psychologist and educator, and at Wolf Connection® she collaborates with the wolf pack and human program team to facilitate powerful opportunities for awareness, connection, healing, and growth. Amanda earned her PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and her clinical training and experience has focused on multicultural competence, group interventions, and mindfulness-based approaches to wellness.
@amandawolfconnection
@wolfconnection
wolfconnection.org
The Wolf Connection Podcast is here! With veteran pack care and media volunteers John Calfa (@calfanation) and Stephen Rivera (@srprodllc) behind the mics, they’ll dive into humans' longest evolutionary relationship partner...the WOLF! Tune in to hear them discuss Wolf Connections beginnings and the inner workings of our pack of 30+ wolves & wolf dogs. As well as Wolf Connection's human empowerment programs, stories and experiences from guests, volunteers, staff, celebrities & information about wolves in the wild from our scientific community in Yellowstone and beyond!
HOWLS to all of you and let's talk about wolves!
Teo Alfero, CEO and founder of Wolf Connection, discusses the organization's humble beginnings as well as some myths and stereotypes that have followed wolves in our culture for centuries.
Teo is a TEDx speaker, one of the 100 Making A Difference, and a member of the Association of Transformational Leaders. He is the creator of Wolf Therapy® and his book The Wolf Connection: What Wolves Can Teach Us About Being Human published by Simon & Schuster is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or our website at wolfconnection.org
@alferoteo
www.teoalfero.com