Wildlife Wire

Mark and Sam are joined by John Calfa III, co-host of The Wolf Connection Podcast, for a conversation about wolves, storytelling, conservation, and the connections between humans and the natural world. John shares how The Wolf Connection Podcast began during the COVID shutdown and has grown into hundreds of conversations with scientists, authors, conservationists, artists, ranchers, hunters, photographers, and naturalists. He also takes us inside the work of Wolf Connection, a sanctuary in Southern California that provides a permanent home for rescued wolves and wolfdogs while using their stories to create transformative experiences for youth, veterans, and other participants. The conversation explores lessons John has learned from guests including Dan Flores, Kira Cassidy, Julie Argyle, and Marc Bekoff; the intersection of science, art, culture, and conservation; the challenges facing wolves today; and the importance of creating space for different perspectives in often-polarized wildlife debates. John also reflects on what a decade at Wolf Connection has taught him personally—from finding authenticity and emotional balance to simply learning how to be present with another species. At the center of it all is a simple idea: wolves can serve as powerful teachers, reminding us that humans are not separate from nature, but part of it. Find out more about the Wolf Connection: Wolf Connection Wolf Connection Podcast Project Coyote and ColoradoWild present Dan Flores in Denver on September 22: The American Serengeti with Dan Flores Project Coyote ColoradoWild – Connecting Wilderness Advocacy and Science Center for Biological Diversity’s campaign to protect Mollie’s Pack Saving Wolves

Joel Sartore — the Photo Ark in your backyard Mark and Sam sit down with National Geographic photographer, explorer, author, and conservationist Joel Sartore, founder of the National Geographic Photo Ark. For more than two decades, Joel has traveled the world photographing more than 17,000 species as part of an ambitious effort to document biodiversity and inspire people to protect wildlife and the habitats they depend on. We talk with Joel about the stories behind some of the Photo Ark’s most unforgettable animals, how the project grew from a Nebraska zoo into a global conservation movement, the role photography can play in changing how people see wildlife, and why protecting biodiversity ultimately means protecting ourselves. Joel also discusses the newly released 20th Anniversary Edition of The Photo Ark: Animals of Earth and the new Photo Ark: Animals of Earth exhibit at the National Geographic Museum of Exploration in Washington, D.C. Learn more about Joel, explore the Photo Ark, and see his books and photography at www.joelsartore.com .

This episode looks at common misinformation campaigns used to oppose pro-wildlife efforts, including messaging that discourages public involvement and leans heavily on “trust the experts.” Sam and Mark break down how these narratives are constructed and why they are effective. They also examine the role of science versus values in wildlife decisions and what that means for public participation. Dr. Becky Niemiec's analysis of Prop 127 “Ballot Box Biology:” The Myth That Stopped Proposition 127—and Could Shape the Future of Wildlife Protection

This episode breaks down how wildlife legislation actually moves through the political process. Bills begin with a core concept, but are quickly reshaped by stakeholder input, requiring tradeoffs between policy goals and what is operationally and politically feasible. Wildlife policy outcomes depend less on intent alone and more on navigating legislative structure, stakeholder pressure, and strategic compromise.

Mark and Sam get real on how wildlife "management" decisions are made, discuss science-based management and what it means for Colorado residents and wildlife.

Join Sam and Mark as they wrap up their first full year hosting the Wildlife Wire! Thank you to all who have listened throughout the year. We look forward to sharing our thoughts and guests with you. On this episode we have: Rogan blasts liberal policies for enabling mountain lions to eat pets | Fox News Kentucky Fish and Wildlife accepting Christmas trees to create fish habitat Report: Urgent Colorado ‘Furbearer’ Reforms Needed to Protect Wildlife - Center for Biological Diversity See stunning photos from National Wildlife Photo Contest 2025 Bill could fund wildlife crossings in Montana, beyond | News | bozemandailychronicle.com

On today's episode Samantha and Mark discuss the interesting wildlife news, including: 8 Everyday Habits You Can Change That Actually Make a Difference for Wildlife Marshland mashup: Red wolf-coyote hybrids adapt to coastal Louisiana • Louisiana Illuminator Raccoons are evolving to be as cute and cuddly as pets — and they want inside your homes Enviros confirm new jaguar 'Cinco' spotted in Southern Az

Join Sam and Mark as they dive into top wildlife news stories from across the country. The State of Colorado's Wildlife Crossings Future of Dauphin Island foxes remains undecided Humanity rises as wildlife recedes: Two studies show the extent of human domination over nature California passes law to phase out gillnet fishing in state waters to protect underwater wildlife Please like, subscribe, and leave a review!

Ryan Sedgeley from the Endangered Species Coalition joins Mark and Sam for this special Halloween episode. They discuss myths about wolves, coyotes, and prairie dogs, as well as zombie deer and frogs coming back from the dead.

On today's episode, Dan Parkinson discusses the history of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, the challenges they face, and the ways we can protect them. Participate in citizen science with iNaturalist Learn where some of that data goes and about all things bighorn through the Mountain Studies Institute .

Sam plays the role of guest and talks about all things furbearer. What are furbearers? Species of animals grouped together for no other reason than people like to kill them for their fur.

Today Sam interviews Mark about rodenticides, or rat poisons, and why they are bad news for people, pets, and wildlife. Find information on rodenticides from Project Coyote here .

Today we are joined by one of our personal heroes, the First Gentleman of Colorado, Marlon Reis. Marlon has brilliantly leveraged his role in Colorado to advocate for animals of all kinds, from puppies in pet stores to wolves in the wild, Marlon has consistently pushed for humane treatment of all species.

We’re joined by Emma Halverson, Executive Director of Wild Fish Conservancy, to explore the historic return of fish traps to the Pacific Northwest. From their cultural roots and conservation benefits to the launch of the first Columbia River trap fishery in nearly 100 years, Emma shares how this ancient method could reshape the future of salmon and steelhead recovery. https://wildfishconservancy.org/ See a fish trap and read more about their return.

Bill serves as Senior Videographer and Editor for Wildlife Protection Solutions (WPS), where he combines his creative vision with cutting‑edge tools—like AI‑powered real‑time camera traps, immersive VR experiences, and digital platforms—to protect endangered wildlife and ecosystems around the world. www.wildlifeprotectionsolutions.org Bill's Instagram Wildlife Protection Solutions Instagram

Jay is the preserve manager for the Southern Plains Land Trust, and spends his days managing the bison herds and improving their network of protected lands for the benefit of all native wildlife species. For 30 years, Jay worked tirelessly as an attorney representing environmental organizations and individuals seeking to protect the environment. Jay also helped to start the Environmental Law Clinic at the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law and has taught a variety of courses on Wildlife, Animal, and Environmental Law. In his abundant spare time, Jay serves as a commissioner for Colorado Parks & Wildlife. Find out more about Southern Plains Land Trust

Join Sam and Mark as they dive into the top wildlife news stories, including: Grizzly bears aren't wolves Big scary bobcats? Border wall jaguar Snakes hear with their jaws Please like and leave a review!

Joining us is Emma Balunek. Emma’s work is a combination of conservation research and visual storytelling. In collaboration with Michael Forsberg and the Platte Basin Timelapse project, along with Dr. John Benson’s lab, Emma has been studying the cooperative hunting relationship between coyotes and badgers in prairie dog colonies across western grasslands. Coyote/Badger Sighting Form Emma's Instagram

Join Sam and Mark for this week's wildlife news, including: Bighorn Sheep in Colorado Ghost Wolves in Texas Grand Jury for Hope Movies that Scare Wolves

Dr. Adrian Treves is a leading voice for science, future generations, and the public trust. A Harvard-trained ecologist and Professor of Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, he founded the Carnivore Coexistence Lab in 2007 to explore how humans and large carnivores, from coyotes to grizzlies, share landscapes. For nearly three decades, his work has bridged law, ecology, and ethics, with a focus on the public trust doctrine and intergenerational equity. Dr. Treves has published more than 130 scientific papers advancing predator-prey ecology and conservation. Carnivore Coexistence Lab