Julie Meachen is an Associate Professor of Anatomy, Vertebrate Paleontologist and Functional Morphologist at Des Moines University. She is the Lead Investigator at the Natural Trap Cave and has been excavating Pleistocene mammals from Rancho La Brea since 2003.

We discussed her research and findings about gray wolves and dire wolves from the Pleistocene Era, along with studies on other Pleistocene mammals and the mummified gray wolf puppy Zhur from the Yukon.

Wolves in Natural Trap Cave

Dire Wolf DNA

Mummified Pleistocene Gray Wolf Puppy (Zhur)

@thewolfconnectionpod

Kira Cassidy has been a Biologist and Research Associate for Yellowstone Forever for over a decade. Connor Meyer is a PhD Student in Wildlife Biology at the University of Montana.
 
They are working on new research pertaining to Toxoplasmosis in wolves around Yellowstone National Park.

Kira and Connor discussed what Toxoplasmosis is, the relationship between cougars and wolves with this disease, and the effects of it on wolf behavior.

@kira_cassidy

@connor__meyer

@thewolfconnectionpod

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 Ancestry

Population Structure and Gene Flow in Grey Wolf Populations of the Northern Rockies

'Ghost' DNA Red Wolves in Texas

The 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 Massacre

Ryan 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_aaronbott

Wolf 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 States

Bring back the wolves - but not as heroes or villains (Cornell Chronicle)

Bernd Blossey Bio

Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary is located in New Mexico, and their mission is to rescue displaced, unwanted, and un-releasable captive-bred wolves, wolf-dogs, and other wild canid species. They provide all rescues with permanent, safe sanctuary and lifelong care through nutrition, medical support, and enrichment.

Katie Forbis, who is the Social Media Coordinator, spoke about her journey to the sanctuary and the overall mission and vision of Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary.

Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary

@wildspiritwolfsanctuary

@katieandthewolves

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

@arthurlefo

Mother 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 Section

Wolves of the Rockies Contact (Kim & Marc)

@wolves_of_the_rockies