Wildlife Wire – Details, episodes & analysis

Join Mark and Sam for the top five wildlife news stories in the United States:

1. Commercial net pen aquaculture banned in the Puget Sound
2. California wildfires and wildlife impacts
3. Bald eagles are the national bird and die from lead poisoning
4. Grizzly bears retain their Endangered Species Act protections

Then, an interview with Dr. Susan Kane Roning, psychologist and co-Chair of the Washington Sierra Club Wildlife Committee, on the psychology behind wildlife abuse.

Why does our culture permit wolf whacking? What is the impact to bystanders? How does the dark triad interface with wildlife cruelty? And how advocates can be "upstanders" in situations of wildlife abuse.

In this episode, Mark and Sam bring you the top 4 wildlife news stories making waves across the United States. From ensuring panthers can safely cross the road in Florida and grieving orcas to removing grizzly bears from the Endangered Species Act and the spread of ”zombie deer” disease, we explore the latest developments shaping our wild landscapes.

Then, we dive into a compelling interview with renowned ethologist Dr. Marc Bekoff, who sheds light on animal sentience and the emotional lives of creatures big and small. Our conversation takes a closer look at Colorado’s wolves, delving into their family lives, challenges, and what their return means for coexistence in the region.

Mark and Sam discuss the top four wildlife stories in the United States this week:

1. A PSA from Mark and Project Coyote: It's coyote mating season!
2. Fears for border wildlife as Trump takes office
3. CPW concludes second year of wolf capture and release
4. An update on Tahlequah the Southern Resident Orca

Then, Mark and Sam are joined by wildlife biologist Gary Skiba of the San Juan Citizens Alliance to discuss his career as an agency wildlife biologist (including bighorn sheep!) and the politics of becoming a Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commissioner. 

Join Mark and Sam for the top four wildlife news stories of the week, including:

• Bobcats in Indiana will be trapped for the first time in over 50 years
• Deer in Montana's Flathead County infected with CWD
• Mountain lions are being hazed with hounds in Colorado
• New pine marten research underway in Wisconsin 

Then, a fascinating discussion with Dr. Larry Taylor, a wildlife biologist, paleontologist, and talented wildlife photographer. During the week, Dr. Taylor is a biology professor, but when class is out, he spends more than 100 days annually photographing the wild animals of Yellowstone. Dr. Taylor discusses animal interactions that have left a lasting impression on him, and why biologists should consider individual animals and populations when making management decisions. 

Join Mark and Sam for the top 4 wildlife news stories of the week including:

1. Which is worse for wildlife, wind farms or off-shore drilling?
2. Montana considers increased wolf killing
3. Saudi Syndrome and the future of hunting in Colorado
4. 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.

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 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 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 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!