Wildlife Wire

The Wildlife Wire
  • 4.5 (22)
  • Nature
  • Updated Weekly

Tune in each week as wildlife advocates Samantha Miller and Mark Surls deliver the top 4 wildlife stories making waves across the U.S. and chat with humans making a difference for wild animals. From Florida panthers to Washington orcas and Colorado wolves to Montana grizzlies, Wildlife Wire is your go-to podcast for wildlife news and the humans who care about animals.

  1. 6d ago

    Wolf Connection's John Calfa III: What Wolves Can Teach Us About Ourselves

    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

  2. Aug 28

    Joel Sartore — the Photo Ark in your backyard

    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.

  3. Apr 19 ·  Video

    Dissecting Misinformation Campaigns

    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

  4. Apr 7 ·  Video

    Legislative pitfalls and compromises on wildlife bills

    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.

  5. Mar 19 ·  Video

    Colorado Wildlife Management: The Whole Story

    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.

  6. 12/23/2025

    Wrapping up 2025 with the news

    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

  7. 12/05/2025

    The news! Marshland mashup and more

    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

  8. 10/31/2025

    We're back with the news!

    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!

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4.5
out of 5
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About

Tune in each week as wildlife advocates Samantha Miller and Mark Surls deliver the top 4 wildlife stories making waves across the U.S. and chat with humans making a difference for wild animals. From Florida panthers to Washington orcas and Colorado wolves to Montana grizzlies, Wildlife Wire is your go-to podcast for wildlife news and the humans who care about animals.

Information

  • Creator
    The Wildlife Wire
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Wildlife Wire

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