The 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 AllianceSan Juan Citizens AllianceColorado 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 DepartmentKBIC Facebook PageWolf 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.comPredator Friendly Ranching BlogWolf 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 CooperativeMatt Barnes ResearchGateLivestock 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@DanMacNultyDan 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@thecoloradohowlColorado 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.  @HannaP3TTThe Conversation ArticlePhys.org ArticleHanna Pettersson PapersWolf 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.htmlStephen 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@calfanationWolf 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_laurieWolf 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 WebsiteNew York Times EssayBusiness Coalition Opposes Wolf HuntsFor more information on how you can help re-list wolves:Relist Wolves Now