The Wolf Connection

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 AncestryPopulation Structure and Gene Flow in Grey Wolf Populations of the Northern Rockies 'Ghost' DNA Red Wolves in TexasThe 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 MassacreRyan 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_aaronbottWolf 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 StatesBring back the wolves - but not as heroes or villains (Cornell Chronicle)Bernd Blossey Bio

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@arthurlefoMother 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 SectionWolves 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 @wolfconnectionpodWolf 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 WebsiteRewilding Institute@coolhandlute@rseacor