The Wolf Connection

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@coparkswildlifeColorado 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 WebsiteTaylor 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. @westernwatershedsprojectWestern Watersheds ProjectCowboy 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_orgTrumpet 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 ResultsThe 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