The Wolf Connection

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 PreserveResearch 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 WebsiteBetween Wolf and Dog DocumentaryWolfdog 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 ChannelRecordings for each meeting will be posted on CPW Commission WebsiteOceanic Preservation Society - Courtney VailNorthern Rockies Conservation Cooperative - Matt BarnesRocky 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 ResourcesC.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 WebsiteChurchill 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 WebsiteCarter 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 PlanWisconsin Wolf Management Plan Draft PDFPublic 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@projectcoyoteWildEarth Guardians Wolf Lawsuit MontanaWildEarth 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