Wildlife Wire

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

Join Sam and Mark as they dive into the top wildlife news stories of the week, including: Dogs doing citizen science San Francisco whales dying ESA down-listed by president, congress and agencies Animals fleeing Yellowstone

In this episode, Sam and Mark dive into the fascinating world of bats with Dr. Tanya Dewey, a biologist whose work spans cutting-edge research on bats from North America and beyond. A must listen for bat fans and those who are bat-curious!  

Join Sam and Mark as they cover the top wildlife news stories of the week, including: Da Bears in Illinois Bobcat Mismanagement Ospreys in Decline Drilling for Oil in Alaska Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!  

Join Sam and Mark as they dive into the top wildlife news stories of the week, including: Wyoming looking out for babies New Mexico helping the beaver North Dakota grass for birds Legendary wolf dies  

Will Harlan lives in North Carolina, where he is a biologist working in the Endangered Species program for the Center for Biological Diversity as the Southeast Director and Senior Scientist. Prior to joining the Center, Will worked for Sierra Club protecting forests and indigenous lands. He also wrote a national bestselling book Untamed: The Wildest Woman in America and the Fight for Cumberland Island, and his work has appeared in The New York Times and National Geographic.  Interested in taking a Hellbender Tour? Click here

Join Sam and Mark as they dive into the top wildlife news stories of the week, including: North Carolina town celebrates the hellbender Wyoming keeps killing too many lions Spa day for orcas Public lands not for sale

Today’s guest, David Neils, has been tracking wildlife since he was six years old, growing up in the remote forests of Libby, Montana. What started as a deep curiosity about the hidden lives of wild animals has grown into a lifelong commitment to understanding and tracking apex carnivores, especially mountain lions. After a close encounter with a male lion in Colorado’s Never Summer Wilderness, David dedicated himself to studying this elusive species. Over the past twenty years, he’s spent countless hours in mountain lion habitat, developing a system to accurately map their activity across the western United States, Canada, and Chile. He now offers one-on-one Mountain Lion Workshops for those interested in applying what he’s learned from over 30,000 hours in the field. Through Wild Nature Media, David captures stunning, completely wild footage—no lures, no dogs, no helicopters, no tricks—just raw, unscripted moments that celebrate the wild we crave.

Join Mark and Sam for the top wildlife news stories including coyotes in cemeteries, ticks on the move, not killing coyotes in the springtime, and the most epic videos of wildlife on an elk carcass! Learn more about tick impacts on wildlife here.   A kid friendly coyote story here.

Keegan Kuhn is an acclaimed documentary film director, producer, writer, cinematographer, and composer.  His work has sparked global conversations about the environment, health, and animal rights. His films have been executive produced by Leonardo DiCaprio and Joaquin Phoenix. He has challenged industries and inspired countless people to reconsider their impact on the planet and their own well-being. With a passion for storytelling and social justice, he brings a unique perspective on the power of media to drive change. Though, his newest project leaves the cinematic world, opting for a real world immersive experience instead. His most famous works include the documentaries What the Health and Cowspiracy. Red Rock Natural History Museum Cowspiracy What The Health

Join Mark and Sam as they discuss the top wildlife news, including: Car crashes and wildlife Rattlesnake roundup Ladies helping the jag Public land sale Remember to leave a review, like, and subscribe.

Join Mark and Sam as they chat with Nick Gevock, the Sierra Club's Campaign Organizing Strategist for the Northern Rockies. The discussion revolves around ethical hunting, public lands, and the privatization of wildlife.  Elks Slaughter Bill in Montana Bison given new status in Colorado Lead ammo in wildlife and humans  

Join Mark and Sam as they dive into top wildlife news stories of the week, including: Smiling Salamanders learn to live Money up for grabs! Lead poisoned bald eagles Hellbenders need help Please like, subscribe and leave a review!    

On this episode, we are joined by the executive producer of The Snake and The Whale, Scott Levy. This film won Best Feature at this year's Colorado Environmental Film Festival. We dive into why this film is important, some of the characters, and the challenges that resident orcas and wild salmon face because of the Snake River dams.  You can watch the trailer for the film here. Find out more about the dire situation at https://bluefish.org/ Please contact your local film festivals and let them know this film needs to been seen.

Join Mark and Sam for the top wildlife news stories, including: Wolf killed in Colorado Sea otters get another chance Heavyweight bobcat  

Michelle Lute is a conservation scientist and advocate with nearly twenty years’ experience in biodiversity conservation on public and private lands around the globe. She dedicates her professional life to promoting human-wildlife coexistence through effective public engagement, equitable participatory processes, and evidence-based decision-making. Michelle holds a PhD in wildlife management from Michigan State University, an MS in Animal Behavior and Ecology from the University of Notre Dame, and a BS in Geography and Environmental Science from Valparaiso University. She started her environmental career in the National Park Service, worked for large and small nonprofits, state government and held research positions at universities across the US.  Michelle has authored over 30 publications in ecology and social sciences to develop evidence-based approaches to human-wildlife coexistence.

We are shifting formats here at the Wildlife Wire! News is coming every Tuesday and Interviews on Thursday. Today's news has the following:   https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/how-colorados-first-elk-migration-agreement-marks-a-big-step-for-conservation-and-agricultural-productivity Billboards celebrate parks, call out DOGE Right-way Right Whales The Colorado Cattlemen's Agricultural Land Trust and the Property and Environment Research Center combine efforts to provide elk habitat, while More Perfect Union trolls DOGE with brilliant billboards. Finally, 2 lost Right Whales left Alabama for Canada.

Join Mark and Sam for the top wildlife news stories, including: New Mexico wildlife agency gets new name and mission Cougars coming back to Vermont? After 11 more bears killed, judge orders stop to Alaska predator control program California California county declares state of emergency over gray wolf activity Then we are joined by Matt Barnes. Matt is a conservation scientist, rangeland ecologist, and advocate for human-wildlife coexistence based in southwestern Colorado. With a background in wildlife ecology and range science, he has dedicated his career to integrating ecological principles into land management practices across the American West. Barnes has served in various roles, including as a rangeland management specialist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and as a prescribed fire manager with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Through his multifaceted work, Barnes continues to bridge the gap between ecological science and practical land management, aiming to create resilient landscapes that support both human livelihoods and wildlife conservation.

Join Mark and Sam for the top wildlife news stories, including: Indigo Snakes released in FL Great White Shark Killers Alligators at the door Rare Black Jaguar **Mark said that an animal lacking pigment is melanistic, but they are actually leucistic.** We will be back to our standard format next week!   

Join Mark and Sam for the top wildlife news stories, including: The US government’s war on wildlife, explained in 3 charts 'Unparalleled' snake antivenom made from man bitten 200 times This cute animal is one of Yosemite’s ‘most dangerous,’ rangers say Attenborough at 99: naturalist ‘goes further than before’ to speak out against industrial fishing in new film Then we interview Chris Schadler about eastern coyotes and wolves. Chris taught in the Department of Natural Resources at UNH and lectured at Granite State College since 1993. Her MS in Conservation Biology focused on wolf recovery in Michigan but her real education occurred in NH on her sheep farm, figuring out how to live with coyotes. She is now the NH and VT Rep for Project Coyote, a national organization promoting coexistence with coyotes and for 30 years has lectured throughout New England on the Eastern Coyote. She is a member of the North East Wolf Coalition and leads Wolf Trips to Algonquin Provincial Park and beyond.

Join Mark and Sam for the top wildlife news stories, including: Feds kill endangered, potentially pregnant, Mexican wolf Is killing animals an effective way to regulate populations? Why are we afraid of snakes? Building bobcat alley in New Jersey Then, Mark and Sam are joined by Ryan Sedgeley, an advocate for gray wolves and other imperiled species in Colorado for the Endangered Species Coalition. He holds an M.A. in Environment and Natural Resources and a J.D. from the University of Wyoming. Along with his formal education, he spent nearly 10 years living with wolves, grizzly bears, and bison in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. He brings that knowledge and experience to his work helping people and organizations in Colorado understand how to live peacefully with wolves and other imperiled species.

Join Mark and Sam for the weekly top wildlife news stories including: Trump threatens to revoke tax-exempt status of environmental nonprofits Frog, Lizard, Salamander Added to New York’s Endangered Species List Patenting woolly mammoths Are Dire wolves Pontiacs with a body kit? Baby Colossal Squid caught on camera Then, we are joined by Max Seigal, renowned photographer and biologist, to talk wildlife expeditions, how to be a professional adventurer and photographer, and dung of all kinds.

Join Mark and Sam for the nation's top wildlife news stories, including: REI backtracks endorsement Demonic sea lions (they can be treated!) Colossal Dire Wolf de-extincted Italian town welcomes bears Then, urban wildlife rehabbers Jack Murphy and Katherine McGill join to discuss nonlethal wildlife conflict solutions for folks encountering unwelcome possums, raccoons, squirrels and more! 

Join Mark and Sam for the top wildlife news stories including: Monarch butterflies get sick from the wrong milkweed  Landowners in Wyoming paid for elk presence? Unlimited wolf hunting bill dies in Montana Essay on insights into human wildlife coexistence using indigenous and traditional knowledge Then, an interview with leading Grizzly Bear expert, Dr. Chris Servheen on how we can support Grizzly Bear recovery in today's political climate. Chris was the Grizzly Bear Recovery Coordinator for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for 35 years until retiring in 2016. He coordinated grizzly recovery actions for grizzly bears in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Washington and cooperated with Canadian researchers and managers in adjacent areas of British Columbia and Alberta. As a Research Associate Professor at the University of Montana, he taught International Wildlife Conservation for 18 years. He advised 21 graduate students at the University of Montana who worked bears and various research projects in the US and in 7 foreign countries. He was co-chair with Steve Herrero of the BSG for 12 years. Dr. Servheen has also chaired 8 interagency Boards of Review on human fatalities due to grizzly bear attacks in the lower 48 states.

Join Mark and Sam for the weekly top wildlife news stories including:  Sharktopus Lauren Boebert wants to delist wolves federally Point Reyes public access Turtle leaps to safety from eagles nest Then, an interview with Dr. Fred Koontz an ethological zoologist on ethical considerations in wildlife management. Dr. Koontz has a long, diverse, wildlife career at the Wildlife Conservation Society, Wildlife Trust (now “EcoHealth Alliance”), Teatown, Woodland Park Zoo, and Washington Fish & Wildlife Commission. Fred has held adjunct appointments at Columbia University, New York University, and University of Washington.

Join Mark and Sam for the top four wildlife news stories of the week, including: DOGE is at it again- firing Fish and Wildlife employees Colorado wolf killed in Wyoming First wolf predation in Pitkin County CO How do seals know when to surface? Then, an interview with Emma Helverson, executive director of Wild Fish Conservancy, discussing the intertwined destinies of endangered southern resident orcas and wild salmon.

Join Mark and Sam for the top four news stories of the week including: "Furbearer" policies in Colorado Washington Governor rescinds appointment of leading scientist to wildlife commission Central Park coyote in parking garage Trump increases logging in National Forests Followed by an incredibly important conversation with Dan Flores, author, historian, and Project Coyote Ambassador. The history of humans and wildlife in North America is essential to understanding the institutions that govern wildlife management today. A native of Louisiana, Dan Flores is a writer who presently lives in the Galisteo Valley outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, and is A. B. Hammond Professor Emeritus of the History of the American West at the University of Montana-Missoula.  He is the author of ten books, most recently the New York Times Bestseller, Coyote America: A Natural and Supernatural History (2016), and American Serengeti: The Last Big Animals of the Great Plains (2016).  Pulitzer-winning novelist Annie Proulx has written that “his work ranks with that of Thoreau, William Bartram, Aldo Leopold, John Muir, Peter Matthiessen.” Dr. Flores’s essays on the environment, art, and culture of the West have appeared in newspapers like the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, and the Chicago Tribune, and in magazines such as Texas Monthly, Orion, Wild West, Southwest Art, The Big Sky Journal, and High Country News. His work has been honored by the Western Writers of America, the Denver Public Library, the Western Heritage Center/National Cowboy Museum, the High Plains Book Awards, the Montana Book Awards, and the Oklahoma Book Awards, and by the Western History Association, the Montana Historical Society, and the Texas State Historical Association.

Join Mark and Sam for the top four news stories of the week including: River otters can be trapped for damage in Wyoming Wally the beaver saved by advocates Travel to the Savannah Wildlife Refuge Wolf pups could be on the way in Colorado Then, Scott Wilson, Wild Horse Photojournalist and 2022 Sony World Photography Awards Winner joins the pod to discuss wild horses, how we "manage" them, sterilization solutions, and how you can get involved in wild horse solutions.

Join Mark and Sam for the top four wildlife news stories of the week, including: Nutria nuggets? Super pods of dolphins UK beaver reintroductions 11 raptors poached in Beaver County, UT Then, Renee Seacor, carnivore conservation director for Project Coyote, joins the pod to discuss the state of coyotes in 2025 legislative sessions across the United States.

Join Mark and Sam for the top four wildlife news stories of the week, including: Mysterious illness is sickening Florida Panthers Wildlife crossings for red wolves DOGE goes after the NPS Then, Jad Davenport talks about his storied career, from local foxes to war zones, and photographing wolves and polar bears with Nat Geo.

Join Mark and Sam for the top four wildlife news stories of the week, including: Buffalo Restoration with the Tanka Fund Former Wyoming Game and Fish director nominated by Trump to serve as the director of USFWS Maybe dogs didn't need us at all to domesticate themselves Snow fox: enjoy 17 seconds of pure bliss with a gorgeous video of red fox in winter Then, Mandy Culbertson, communications director for Wildlife for All, joins the pod to discuss why the language we use when discussing wildlife "management" matters. Words matter document. Frequently, wildlife managers sanitize language when discussing wild animals and during this episode we discuss frequently used words and what we should use instead to shift the narrative around wild animals.

Join Mark and Sam for the top three wildlife news stories of the week, including: Is otter trapping in Wyoming's future? Avian flu is spreading, affecting wild birds the most Two right whales make a baffling trip along the US Gulf Coast Then, Carter Niemeyer joins the pod for an eye opening conversation. From his early years as a paid government trapper to his leadership in Yellowstone wolf reintroduction, Carter Niemeyer reveals how the government kills wild animals for livestock producers and how he turned from a trapper - a killer - into a champion of wolves. Carter's new book, "The Other Ten Wolves: A Yellowstone Backstory" is coming to brick and mortar and online bookstores soon!

Join Mark and Sam for the top 4 wildlife news stories of the week including: Which is worse for wildlife, wind farms or off-shore drilling? Montana considers increased wolf killing Saudi Syndrome and the future of hunting in Colorado Mountain lion tracking dog stranded overnight; saved by Search and Rescue Then, an interview with R. Brent Lyles, executive director of the Mountain Lion Foundation. Brent discusses the biggest threats facing mountain lions in America today and how we can work together to help the species thrive.