S&ME’s Post

I hope we can get your attention. Our wolves need your help. The State of Idaho has just approved funding private contractor to shoot wolves from helicopters across core wolf range in Idaho. Their decision was made without public comment or review. Please share our video exposing this.   Trevor Walch, operator of the Nevada-based Predator Control Corporation, presented three of the five proposals and may be solely awarded over $100,000 of the total grants. In Nevada, his extensive record of violating wildlife laws includes trapping practices that the Nevada Chief Game Warden labeled “blatant illegal behavior." Walch left deer fawns and other animals in traps for over ten days to die of dehydration and starvation. In Wyoming, Walch has been investigated for unlawful aerial hunting over federal lands.   The areas targeted include the Wood River Wolf Project, which has successfully worked with ranchers, sheepherders, and Blaine County residents since 2008 to promote coexistence with wolves. We prevent livestock losses using proactive nonlethal methods like lighting, noise deterrents, increased livestock guardian dogs, and more. There were zero confirmed sheep losses to wolves amongst the 24,000 sheep in the 1,200 sq km project area this year. Our project has documented the lowest sheep losses to wolves in Idaho’s wolf range consistently for 16 years. Yet now, Idaho is targeting our wolves in Blaine County to be exterminated without cause. Ranchers within our project area were not notified of this scheme. We need your help exposing what's happening here. The contract is due to start on Nov 20, 2023. #RelistWolves #biodiversity #wolves

Caring for pets and farm animals near mountain lion territory? With a few precautions, you can help keep your pets — and wildlife — safe. Download our free, NEW resource here: https://ow.ly/y4jA50Q684V Whether you are caring for one very special kitty or several woolly farm animals, wildlife, including mountain lions, can be a threat to their safety. Our new guide, designed in partnership with True Wild, includes a look at what’s on the menu for these big cats, what to do if you spot a lion on the trail, and how to safely coexist with your wild neighbors. #lions #conservation #coexistence

Do you consider your animals family? Discover the heartwarming world of Jenny and Dave Marrs in our latest article, where a farm becomes a sanctuary for every creature in need, from playful donkeys to brave dogs. https://lnkd.in/gQhDtXv9

Today is #WorldRewildingDay. If you're unfamiliar with the term: Rewilding is the process of protecting an environment and returning it to its natural state, including by bringing back wild animals that used to live there. One major rewilding effort we're working on: restoring grizzly bears to California. The grizzly bear is California’s state animal and the centerpiece of its flag and seal — but a grizzly hasn’t roamed the wilds of the Golden State in 100 years. Decades of persecution — not habitat loss — drove grizzlies off the landscape. Returning these animals to the state’s open spaces is a key step in rewilding California and protecting one of America’s most iconic species. Learn more: https://biodiv.us/3PsWPQU

Terrific and WA State is showing the right way forward with wolves We learn more about our language by listening to the wolves – https://lnkd.in/giS8Kdmd Wolves’ facial expressions reveal their moods https://lnkd.in/gkZE7ZKF Gut microbes found in wild wolves may be the key to alleviating a debilitating gastrointestinal condition common to domestic dogs, according to a study led by researchers at Oregon State University https://lnkd.in/gtpcdiUD Dogs are descended from two populations of ancient wolves in Asia and Europe, according to a study analysing DNA from 72 ancient wolves going back 100,000 years ! #RelistWolves https://lnkd.in/gba8akgZ

More progress on animal icon #5. Still a long way to go! I will keep you updated. This is a Red Wolf. Red wolves used to roam throughout the eastern seaboard from Pennsylvania to Florida and as far west as Texas. Today, North Carolina’s Albemarle Peninsula is home to the only confirmed wild red wolves in existence. While red wolves play a vital and unique biological role within their ecosystem, the species has declined more than 85 percent in the last decade (2010-2020) from roughly 130 to 15 wolves. Habitat loss, wolf-vehicle collisions, gunshot mortality and hybridization with coyotes threaten the future of red wolves in North Carolina. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has made significant advances with its Red Wolf Recovery Program in recent years; however, there is still much work beyond the scope of current successes. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this 11”x17” egg tempera and 24k gold leaf on birch panel will be donated to the Wolf Recovery Program https://lnkd.in/eH6mwWMx

The Pride of the Veterinary Professional is sublime,... Nature amplifies resilient dexterity.

Today we are wrapping up our deep dive into the complicated process of Matchmaking here at Wild Spirit! "What kind of pack behaviors do you still see even though the wolves are not living all in the same enclosure?" Communication is the biggest one that comes to mind. Despite living separately and consisting of multiple different species, all of the rescues communicate with one another constantly. Every morning without fail, for example, they greet staff with barks, howls, and yips, and use similar vocalizations to let one another know when we're beginning our feeding routines, walks, or enrichment activities. In addition, the rescues often call out to one another in the event of an animal's passing--a demonstration that cannot possibly be described with words, but goes to show that regardless of blood, the animals that call the sanctuary home truly are a "family". We also see a number of cooperative behaviors often used in wolf packs, even among pairs. Arctic wolf, Teton, and his late sister, Shasta, for example, were well-known for working together to ambush unsuspecting wildlife that ventured inside their enclosure. On more than one occasion these two managed to catch ravens, squirrels, and other animals using their unique ambush strategies.

🚫 MYTH: I heard a huge pack of coyotes howling! ✅ FACT: Coyotes can sound larger in number through an auditory illusion called the ‘Beau Geste Effect.’ No, you’re not surrounded by dozens of coyotes (although that does sound pretty cool). Coyotes commonly live as individuals, in mated pairs, or in small family units. Their social structure simply is not set up to support a ‘huge pack,’ but they can make quite a bit of noise! What’s all the canid commotion about? Coyotes, sometimes known as song dogs, use various vocalizations for communication between family members, establishing territory, and attracting mates. Their howls, yips, and barks travel over long distances, making them effective communicators. In late summer or fall, it’s not unusual to hear small family groups howling together. Just a few coyotes can create the illusion of a much larger group through an auditory illusion called the ‘Beau Geste Effect.’ In a 2017 study on human perception of coyote group size, “subjects were asked to listen to recordings of one to four coyotes howling and “hip-yapping” and then guess the number of animals making the sounds. Regardless of background (urban, rural, suburban), subjects overestimated the number of coyotes by a factor of two.” - “Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law,” by Mary Roach. Coyote calls are generally not a cause for concern. We’re typically pretty scary to them, and they prefer that we keep our distance. If they feel we’re too close, especially if a dog is present, they might use alarm barks 🚨 to ask us to go away. In such cases, remain calm and leave the area, as they could be protecting a den and their families. If a coyote comes too close, you may humanely haze them by making yourself big and loud 📢. Additionally, practicing responsible pet ownership is essential to ensure the safety of both companion animals and wildlife 🐶🐱. #MythBusting #Coexistence #Coyotes #Wildlife #ProtectAmericasWildlife #ProjectCoyote 📹 Lisa Antell, #CaptureCoexistenceContributor

🚨 Become a Wildlife First Responder! 🌿 Ready to step up when wildlife needs your help? Our DRWILD wildlife care guide is your essential tool for acting quickly and confidently in emergencies. Whether you spot a distressed animal on your daily walk or in your backyard, having the right information at your fingertips can make all the difference. 📥 Download our FREE DRWILD guide today! With DRWILD, you'll learn to: Assess Danger: Ensure it's safe to approach. Determine Rescue Needs: Check for signs of distress. Contact Experts: Get professional advice when needed. Provide Immediate Care: Act quickly for urgent cases. Limit Stress: Create a calm environment for the animal. Record Details: Note crucial information to aid in recovery. Keep this guide handy on your fridge or in your car’s glove box. Be prepared to be a first responder and help wildlife in need with confidence. 🦉💚 Download now from our website: https://vist.ly/39n94 #WildlifeFirstResponder #DRWILD #WildlifeCare #BePrepared #FreeDownload #NRWH #northernrivers #wildlifecarers