The Wolf Connection

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 WolfCapital 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. @alaskawildlifeallianceAlaska 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@exposdwcTrapped in the Past on YouTubeExposed 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_donovanRonan Donovan Website@wolfconnection@thewolfconnectionpod

Austin Smith Jr., a Tribal Member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, shares his journey growing up on the reservation, cultural perspectives on hunting deer, and the return of wolves to tribal lands. He explores managing wolf populations, wildlife dynamics, and the deep connection to wolves and the land. Discussions include sustainable practices, collaboration for balanced wildlife management, and the excitement of encountering a breeding wolf pack in the forest.

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 ProjectGCCP Fundraiser for Research Ghost Wolves Town HallGalveston Coyotes Carry Red Wolf DNA (Video)@gulfcoastcanineproject@thewolfconnectionpod

Kim Bean from Wolves of the Rockies discusses the recent U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service status review on grey wolves. The podcast covers topics such as the disappointment with the Biden administration's inaction, factors influencing threatened or endangered species classification, challenges faced by grey wolves in Colorado, allies in wildlife conservation and advocacy, the neglected crisis of wildlife issues in mainstream media, and the importance of wolves as catalysts for conversation.

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@voyageurswolfprojectWolves Alter the Trajectory of Forests@thewolfconnectionpod