The Wolf Connection

Wolf Tales is where you'll hear stories from Wolf Connection's staff and volunteers about their experiences. We'll also be speaking with musicians, artists, photographers and videographers about how the wolf has impacted their work. Ted Heistman is an artist who uses clay to make sculptures of animals both past and present. He recently sculpted a wolf, and donated the proceeds to Wo...

Jon T. Coleman is a Professor of History at the University of Notre Dame. He has authored 3 books including Vicious: Wolves and Men in America which documents the fraught relationship between early American settlers and wolves over three centuries. We spoke about his book, the research that went into writing it and the revelations he discovered during the process. Vicious: Wolves and Men in Americ...

Dan Vermillion was the former Montana Fish & Wildlife Commissioner and Chairman for over 10 years. Dan and other former Commissioners penned a guest essay in the Mountain Journal stating their opposition to Montana's current state regulations regarding wolves. He spoke to us about his time as Commissioner, where he believes the divide on wolves is coming from and how Montana got to the pl...

Monica Stahlmann is the author of the children's book Trumpet the Miracle Wolf Pup  and Regan Downey is the Director of Education for the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, NY. Monica and Regan spoke about the events leading up to the creation of the book, how both are involved with the Wolf Conservation Center and the message they are looking to send with the publication of the book. T...

Jen GaNun is a vocalist and choreographer for the performance group Lost Walks since their inception in 2014. The group is rooted in movement, music, collaboration and conservation. By partnering with wildlife organizations, they are working to raise awareness, empathy and action toward protecting wolves and returning them to Colorado. Jen explained Lost Walks journey as they became advocates for...

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 spoke primarily on the wolf hunts in Montana, the steps being taken to reverse recent legisl...

Daniel Curry is a range rider who specializes in human wildlife conflict mitigation using non-lethal methods in northeastern Washington. He started his own business, G.R.I.P.H., which helps wildlife and humans coexist on the landscape. Daniel spoke about his journey to G.R.I.P.H., the wildlife issues that are present in the state of Washington and how he is working to create a balanced approach to...

Bob Hayes studied wolves in the Yukon for nearly 20 years. In 2010 he published his first book, Wolves of the Yukon detailing his research and findings. Bob spoke to us in detail about the studies that were done on the predator/prey relationships in the Yukon, becoming an author and the future of wolves from his perspective. Wolves of the Yukon and the Zhoh Trilogy are available on his website bob...

Afsoon has been with Wolf Connection for just under a year, but has already immersed herself in caring for the pack and assisting with programs. She is constantly looking to gain knowledge to better herself and the team at Wolf Connection. Afsoon has taken incredible pictures of the pack at Wolf Connection which you can find all over her Instagram page! @afsoonerorlater @wolfconnection

Dr. John Vucetich has been working on the Isle Royale Wolf & Moose Project for over 30 years. He is a distinguished Professor at Michigan Technological University where he teaches Wildlife Ecology and Environmental Ethics. We spoke with him about his time working on the Isle Royale project, his thoughts about the Endangered Species Act and the state of wolves in the present day. His new book,...

Podcast host John Calfa recounts the events leading up to volunteering and ultimately working at Wolf Connection. He speaks of the people and wolves that have influenced his journey, as well as exploring the impact of working programs, interacting with different members of the Wolf Connection pack and the creation of the podcast. @calfanation @wolfconnection Wolf Connection

Dr. Mark Johnson is a Wildlife Veterinarian, Instructor, and the Founder & President of Global Wildlife Resources.  Dr. Mark's highest priority is to handle every animal with care, compassion, and respect; while also incorporating those heart-felt values into tools, techniques, and mannerisms. This leads to greater success in the field, better animal care, greater joy in the work being do...

David Ausband is a Wildlife Research Biologist for the U.S. Geological Survey working in Idaho. He has been studying behavioral ecology in predators for over 15 years and teaches at the University of Idaho. David discussed his work as it relates to wolf pack densities, the information he gathers through non-invasive methods and the impact on wolves with increasing trapping and hunting in Idaho. Da...

Pat Jennings has been wolf watching since 2007 and is a staple in the wolf advocacy community. Riding in the 'Wolfmobile', Pat has passed his love of the outdoors to his daughter Kristin, who weaves parts of their adventures into her teaching career. Pat spoke about his journey to becoming an avid wolf watcher and advocate, his visit to Wolf Connection and the bond he and his daughter sh...

Kurt Holtzen is a field advisor for both the Wood River Wolf Project and Lava Lake Lamb which are based in Hailey, Idaho. He is also a Steering Committee Member for the Wood River Wolf Project. Kurt came on to discuss coexistence measures being used with predators for Lava Lake Lamb, his thoughts on Idaho State Bill 1211 and his role for both organizations as a field advisor. Lava Lake Lamb @wilde...

Doris has been with Wolf Connection for 8 years and a 'Lead of Day' for over 5 years. She is always willing to share stories, photos and memories about the wolves and wolf dogs that have graced Wolf Connection over the years. Doris's Instagram page is full of wolf photos she's taken over the years, sharing her own personal touch on the moments that have impacted her life in the...

Wolf Connection's Director of Programs Amanda Beer drops by to talk about the effects COVID-19 had on programs this past year at Wolf Heart Ranch. Amanda discusses the challenges, revelations and perseverance she and the program team went through during those times.  She also updates us on the new programs and curriculums that are coming soon from Wolf Connection! @amandawolfconnection Wolf C...

John Wood was a professional golf caddy for almost 25 years and is now an on-course reporter with the Golf Channel and NBC. When he's not on the course, John spends time in Yellowstone National Park watching wolves and other wildlife with veteran wolf trackers Rick McIntyre, Laurie Lyman and many others. John joined us at Wolf Connection for a visit after our paths crossed in Yellowstone. He...

Alex Few has been a Working Wild Challenge Coordinator for nearly 2 years with the Western Landowners Alliance. They work to create health and prosperity of working lands in the American West for ranchers, landowners and farmers. Western Landowners Alliance advances policies and practices that sustain working lands, connected landscapes, and native species.   Alex discussed her background before j...

For more than 30 years, National Geographic photographers Jim and Jamie Dutcher have focused their lives on the study and documentation of wolf behavior. As two of America's most knowledgeable experts on wolves, they are devoted to sharing their unique background for the betterment and understanding of this keystone species. Jim and Jamie spoke about their film project Living with Wolves, the...

Brett Ochs gave us the perspective of a hunter who is a pro-wolf advocate. Brett has been hunting the majority of his life and believes that wolves belong on the natural landscape. He is part of the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project, helping to re-establish wolves on the Western Slope of Colorado. He told us about his upbringing, his journey into conservation of carnivores and the plight of hunters who...

Alicia gave us the unique opportunity to speak with a former caretaker of one our very own Wolf Connection pack, Jax! She describes her history with Jax, the journey they took to get to Wolf Connection and valuable insight on finding placement for wolves and wolf dogs. @aliciaa_jones @wolfconnection Wolf Connection Pack

Wes is a Grammy nominated performer, songwriter and producer. He sat down and talked about his journey from Nashville to California, his career in music and the impact the wolves at Wolf Connection have had on his life. He also performs his song Beautiful Life off of the album All the Plans Have Changed Wes has recorded 3 albums Down In Flames, All The Plans Have Changed & Sheltering Sky   whi...

Laurie Lyman is a dedicated wolf watcher and advocate who has been studying wolves for over 15 years. She largely contributed to the book American Wolf  and can often be found in the field with noted wolf researcher Rick McIntyre. Laurie spoke about her path to wolf watching, the special relationship she had with Wolf '06 and how you can follow the daily updates on wildlife in Yellowstone Nat...

Sarah Michael is the Community Chair for the Wood River Wolf Project Steering Committee. She was elected to the Board of County Commissioners and served from 2000-2008. Sarah led the county’s initiative on the Wood River Wolf Project and county efforts to enact stronger protections for wildlife, water quality, agricultural lands, and to reduce urban sprawl. Sarah spoke about Idaho State Bill 1211...