Wolf Conservation Center

Anchorwolf Atka?

2012-01-27T17:13:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, Atka and crew appeared on ABC Channel 8's "CT Style" to talk about wolves and the Atka's great work as the Wolf Conservation Center's Rock star Ambassador. The studio was perfect. The spacious loft was the perfect playground for a curious wolf like Atka. For about 30 minutes prior to the interview, he wandered from set to set testing each and every prop in his reach. He especially enjoyed tinkering around within the in-studio kitchen set. He managed to fit his whole head into a Kitchen Aid mixing bowl and triumphantly exited the set with an open can of Progresso soup! He appeared very pleased with his prize. Check out the video of his appearance and if you're in the CT area tomorrow, you can meet the big guy himself at the Children's Museum in West Hartford.

Wolf Conservation Center: wtnh.com

Preparing for "The Grey"

2012-01-25T14:05:00.004-05:00

Wolves, their recovery, and the status of the keystone predator are often hot topics on Capitol Hill and media outlets in the West. But in the past week, wolves have also been the talk of the town in Hollywood! "The Grey," a film starring Liam Neeson has hackles raised among wildlife advocates in fear that the film's chilling portrayal of wolves can further muddy the already terrible and undeserved reputation that this species is burdened with. The film, opening on January 27th, is an intense adventure thriller about a group of oil rig workers who must fight wolves for their lives in the Alaskan wilderness after their airplane crashes.

In reality, wild wolves are shy and elusive. A person in wolf country has a greater chance of being hit by lightning, dying of a bee sting or being killed in a vehicle collision with a deer than being injured by a wolf.


WCC's Lewis on NPR (Photo: Chion Wolf)

This being said, wolves still continue to evoke high emotions among the masses and this film could possibly ignite additional fear. A few environmental organizations, including the Wolf Conservation Center, have chosen to recognize the film's momentum as a great platform for education - to diffuse the damaging myths that surround this misunderstood predator.

WCC's Darling on NPR (Photo: Chion Wolf)

In the past week, we've really enjoyed discussing wolves with the great folks from NPR's Colin McEnroe Show (listen here), the New York Post, and Sirius Satellite Radio.

If you plan on seeing the film or know someone who intends to do so, the great folks from The National WolfWatcher Coalition created an informative brochure with real facts about wolves. Please feel free to distribute them within your community!

Click on the links to download the brochure's front side and back side.

Several great organizations are asking supporters to boycott "The Grey." To learn more about how you can join this petition, please visit WildEarth Guardians call to action page here.

In the meantime, we can only hope that Hollywood's wolves don't contribute to the many unnatural challenges that wild wolves already face.

Voyeurism 101

2012-01-23T11:28:00.000-05:00

It's an exciting time for wolves and the WCC -- it's the season of romance! Hormones are racing and hopefully several courtships have already begun. We're keeping our eye on four breeding pairs (see The Wolf Conservation Center to Host 4 Breeding Pairs This Winter) in hope that we'll see some promising behavior. Thankfully, we need not rely entirely on eyewitness accounts, our WOLFCAM may help staff, volunteers, and supporters watch some romance between red wolves F1397 and M1483 in real time! These two lovebirds proved fruitful in 2010 and we're hoping that they are up for round two this season.
In the past week, several dedicated voyeurs contacted us after witnessing some romantic gestures (mounting) between the pair. While many of us like to include flowers, candy, perhaps a little vino and Barry White in our romantic rituals, wolves have a different set of behaviors that we should watch for:

one wolf marking over the other's mark
nuzzling
following one another
parallel walking
"prancing"
wrestling
mounting
rear sniffing
resting one's chin upon another
tandem urination conveys the same message as a wedding ring!
wolves in a copulatory "tie" or stuck together -- please contact maggie@nywolf.org ASAP!

If you see any of the above behaviors or something else you find interesting, please share what you've witnejavascript:void(0)ssed on this blog or on the WCCs Facebook Page. And don't fret, it's okay to watch!

Wolf Haven International Can Use a Helping Paw

2012-01-22T17:00:00.002-05:00

While it's been a great snowy weekend for the 25 wolves that call the Wolf Conservation Center home, the stormy weather did a real number on Wolf Haven International.

Photo: Wolf Haven International

The Tenino, WA wolf sanctuary will be closed until March to deal with devastating storm damage and they can use all the help they can get. To read more about the storm damage and how you can lend them a paw, please click here.

The Lovebirds are Feeling Frisky!

2012-01-21T10:31:00.000-05:00

The Wolf Conservation Center's exhibit red wolves M1483 and F1397 are having a frisky snow day! Wintertime is an exciting time for wolves and the WCC. January marks the beginning of breeding season and these proven breeders are getting another opportunity to prove fruitful this season too. Check them out on our WOLFCAM and please let us know if you see the lovebirds doing anything interesting.

WOLFCAM: http://www.nywolf.org/cam

National Park Service Opposes Predator Control Measures in Alaska!

2012-01-19T10:45:00.000-05:00

Back in November, the Alaska Wildlife Alliance rallied their supporters to speak up for the Alaskan wolves of Kenai and thanks to the overwhelming number of comments submitted to the Alaska Board of Game, the proposals to begin aerial wolf killing on the Kenai Peninsula were postponed until January 2012.
The temporary reprieve for Kenai's wolves ended last week when Alaska’s Board of Game approved the "intensive management” of wolves on 19 million acres of wildlife refuges in Alaska. Hackles were raised among the masses who originally spoke up on behalf of Alaska's wolves back in November and also with the National Park Service! Just days after Alaska's State government voted to push forward wolf control programs, Federal Government pushed back. Alaska Dispatch reports "Most of the land the wolves roam is within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, and officials there reiterated Tuesday that they are not going to play along with the state." This showdown between the state and federal government will likely continue but in the meantime, wolves are coming out on top!

To read more about this small but significant victory, please click here.

Atka, have you been moonlighting?

2012-01-17T16:40:00.000-05:00

Defenders and Wildlife recently shared a clip from the 2003 film "The Hunted" to demonstrate the agony snare wire can cause to wild animals. The wolf in the film has a strong resemblance to Wolf Conservation Center Ambassador wolf Atka so this clip really hits home with those who have been lucky enough to behold the WCC's arctic beauty. Snare wire and trapping are barbaric and indiscriminate hunting tools that are currently permitted in Idaho and soon in Montana too if current proposals are passed. Many organizations and individuals are outraged that some states permit the use of such tools on public lands. If your hackles are up to, The Wolf Army offers you a resource to speak up here.

National Geographic's Crittercam Gives Us Atka's Point Of View

2012-01-14T15:21:00.002-05:00

Crittercam Collars (Photo: Josh Lewis)

In November of 2011, National Geographic's Kyler Abernathy visited the Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) to test out some crittercam cameras and collars on some of our wolves for potential use on wild wolves. Ambassador wolves Atka and Alawa sported the gear for a few hours and seemed to feel quite comfortable in them. The wolves carried on like it was any other day and now we have the footage to better experience the world from their perspective! Little did we know that Alawa would be so natural behind the camera. The footage of her companion and litter-mate Zephyr is spectacular!

The Crittercam program has provided valuable data about the private lives of sea lions, tree kangaroos, tiger sharks, and more. Next month, Atka and the WCC team will be traveling to National Geographic's headquarters in Washington DC to some more camera work and hopefully we'll be able to see through the eyes of his wild brothers and sisters soon!

Arizona Game and Fish Commission Considers Releasing More Lobos

2012-01-14T11:37:00.001-05:00

F837's litter-mates were released into the wild in 2006 and 2008

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission voted yesterday to amend its previous policy that opposed any new releases of captive Mexican wolves into eastern Arizona. By changing their policy, the Commission will consider releasing wolves on a case by case basis to compensate for any loss in the wild lobo population.

This move could represent a significant step in the effort to grow the wild Mexican wolf population, which numbered close to 50 at the end of 2011.

The Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi), or “lobo,” is the smallest, southernmost occurring, and most genetically distinct subspecies of gray wolf in North America. Aggressive predator control programs at the turn of the century all but exterminated the Mexican wolf from the wild. With the capture of the last 7 remaining wild Mexican wolves approximately 30 years ago, a captive breeding program was initiated helping to save the Mexican wolf from extinction. Today, the captive population consists of over 300 animals, and encompasses close to 50 zoos and wildlife facilities throughout the United States and Mexico.

The Debate Surrounding MT's Controversial Wolf Hunt Continues

2012-01-13T10:13:00.000-05:00

The debate surrounding the plan to extend MT's wolf hunt into April got picked up by MT's NBC station. Kudos to National WolfWatcher Coalition's Marc Cooke for giving wolves a voice!

To Watch the video, please click here.

Lack of Snow Has Yellowstone Wolf Pack On The Move

2012-01-12T12:16:00.000-05:00

When wolves were first reintroduced into Yellowstone National Park 17 years ago today, the landscape was a whole lot snowier! Visitors to the Park are having a hard time believing that it's January. It's been a strange dry winter and the visitors aren't the only ones who are noticing. Scientists believe the lack of snowfall has the Park's largest pack, the "Mollies," on the move in search for easier prey. Bison, the hardest prey for wolves to kill, is the usual fare for the Mollies and the pack has previously depended on deep snow to give themselves an advantage over their prey which average 1,000- to 2,000 pounds. The pack migrated over 20 miles to the Lamar Valley and have have lingered there for close to three weeks. The packs that usually call the valley home are likely eager for this formidable pack to make tracks. To read more about the Mollies' migration from the Missoulian, please click here.

On This Day Over A Century Ago, The "Father of Wildlife Management" Was Born

2012-01-11T09:17:00.000-05:00

Mexican gray wolf M805

"We reached the old wolf in time to watch a fierce green fire dying in her eyes. I realized then, and have known ever since, that there was something new to me in those eyes - something known only to her and to the mountain."
~ Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac

Aldo Leopold was born on this day in 1887.

Plan to Extend Montana's Wolf Hunt Raises Hackles

2012-01-10T06:57:00.000-05:00

Ambassador Wolf Zephyr (born April 4, 2011) at 8 weeks old

The wolf hunts in Montana have been controversial from the start. A hunt would not have been possible until Congress passed a 2011 budget rider (Sec. 1713) last spring that removed Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections from wolves in that state. No longer endangered, the state's wolf hunt was scheduled to start in August and end by December 31st unless the quota of 220 wolves was met first.
In early December, it became clear that the quota would likely not be filled and so the talks of an extension began. The hunts have already been extended past the original end date to February 15th (well into breeding season) and now MT Fish, Wildlife, Parks (MTFWP) announced a plan to extend the wolf-hunting season into at least April in one part of the state. Many Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) supporters are up in arms as this proposal would greatly impact breeding season, pregnant wolves, pups and the stability of the future Montana wolf population. If you too oppose this plan, there are resources to help you take action. National WolfWatcher Coalition created an "Emergency Montana Wolf Action Alert” on their website. MTFWP scheduled a meeting for January 19, 2012 to address the 2012 Wolf Management Harvest so you have a week to speak up for Montana's wolves.

Kids Speaking Up for the Endangered Species Act!

2012-01-09T12:13:00.000-05:00

Woodmere Middle School's Class 7A Supports the Endangered Species Act! from Diane Bentivegna on Vimeo.

They did it again! The great kids from Long Island’s Woodmere Middle School just completed a fantastic short film as a part of science unit, this time focusing on the importance of the Endangered Species Act and the amazing species that this important environmental law safeguards. Please enjoy and share this compelling piece with your family and students. Team members Alberto, Ben, Eddie, Eros, Fernando, George, Gianna, Jessica, Jonathan, and Marsello exemplify the amazing potential of their generation to make this world a better place. If you’re interested in leading a project like Diane Bentivegna’s 7A team, please feel free to contact Maggie at maggie@nywolf.org.

Many Concerned About Wyoming's Proposed Wolf Plan

2012-01-06T14:11:00.027-05:00

As we began 2011, wolves of the Northern Rockies were listed as endangered. Just a few months later everything changed for this special population of predators.

Last Spring Congress passed a 2011 budget rider (Sec. 1713) that removed Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections from wolves of the Northern Rockies. Wolves in Idaho, Montana, eastern Washington, eastern Oregon and northern Utah were removed from the endangered species list and put under state control. Congress excluded Wyoming from this rule so wolves of this state are still federally protected, but likely not for long.

Although U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) criticized Wyoming's wolf plan on the grounds that unregulated shooting in most of the state would reduce the state’s wolf population below federally required levels, this summer Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar reached an agreement to strip ESA protections from Wyoming’s roughly 340 wolves.

Wyoming lawmakers have voted unanimously to recommend approval of Wyoming's plan even though a scientific review of the wolf plan has some experts concerned.

Wyoming's proposed wolf management plan calls for the state to:

Deem wolves predators in 90% of the state (all but the northwest corner of Wyoming), where they could be killed by any means, at any time, without a license.

In Wyoming's northwest corner, right outside Yellowstone National Park, classify wolves as trophy game animals meaning they could only be hunted with a license.

Maintain only 100 wolves and 10 breeding pairs outside of Yellowstone National Park

Many of our supporters have reached out to us asking how they can take action on behalf of Wyoming's wolves. If your hackles are up too because of Wyoming's wolf management plan, now is your chance to comment. USFWS is soliciting public comment but they must be submitted by mail or online by January 13, 2012. In order for a comment to have the greatest impact, one should respectfully express their concerns in their own words.

Here is a link to USFWS' comment site. If you need help, here is a page on the National WolfWatcher Coalition website that is dedicated to this cause.

New York City, Here We Come!

2012-01-06T05:44:00.000-05:00

Time to wake up sleepy-head :)

An Exciting Holiday Treat For An Ely, Minn Resident!

2012-01-05T13:49:00.000-05:00

On Christmas Day, a lucky lady from Ely, Minnesota bumped into some unexpected guests while on a ride. Thankfully, she had her video camera running so now it's our lucky day too! Notice the behavior of the small pack. While curious, they stay a safe distance away from the rider and her horse.

The Southwest Environmental Center Wants Captive Lobos Released into New Mexico

2012-01-04T15:15:00.000-05:00

This is Mexican Gray wolf F837. Her sisters, F838 and F836, were released into their ancestral home in the wilds of Arizona. The Southwest Environmental Center's online petition urges U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and New Mexico Senators Udall and Bingaman to release other captive lobos into their rightful place in the wild, but directly into New Mexico. The Center is just a couple hundred short of its goal of one thousand signatures. Petition link: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/tell-us-fish-and-wildlife-service-release-mexican-wolves-into-new-mexico-before-its-too-late/ THANK YOU!

Mapping the Lobo's Range

2012-01-03T10:13:00.000-05:00

Lobos of the Southwest offers a GREAT interactive map that reflects the historical range of the lobo. You can check it out at Mexicanwolves.org or here.

William Ripple Explains Why Predators are Important

2012-01-02T11:33:00.001-05:00

Although wolves aren't often the hottest topic of conversation in the Greater New York Area, an increasing number of articles about wolves and their recovery have been printed in the New New York Times this past year. Today, the paper shared the AP story about the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park and the impact their return has had on the landscape. "Study: Yellowstone Wolves Help Trees Rebound," shares key points from the ongoing research by Oregon State University's William Ripple. To learn more about the important role predators play in an ecosystem, Ripple explains it clearly in this 2 minute video.

A Special New Year's Message From Amabassador Wolf Atka

2011-12-31T11:36:00.002-05:00

Fur Coat Fashion Show Done Right

2011-12-30T11:39:00.003-05:00

Wandering Wolf OR-7 Reaches California

2011-12-30T11:01:00.000-05:00

WCC Ambassador Wolf Alawa

Wandering Wolf OR-7 is California dreamin' on this winter's day! On Wednesday, the 2-yr-old male crossed into the "Golden State" making him the first confirmed wild wolf in California since 1924! It's been an epic journey for this lone wolf, he's wandered more than 300 miles from his original home in northeast Oregon. Who knows how long he'll choose to linger in California. He'll likely keep moving in search of a mate before he makes any state his permanent home. In the meantime, we're enjoying his new-found fame during this time when positive stories re: wolves and their recovery here in the U.S. are few and far between. For more information, read more from the California Department of Fish and Game here.

Update on Red Wolf M1394

2011-12-29T14:00:00.000-05:00

Red Wolf M1394 strikes a pose

It's been just over a week since red wolf M1394 joined the Wolf Conservation Center family and so far he's settling in nicely. Although he has yet to be formally introduced to his future companion, red wolf F1291, the two seem to be quite comfortable with one another while separated by their dividing fence line. Next week we will unite the pair in hopes that the couple that appears perfect for each other on paper, will prove compatible and then fruitful this spring. Stay tuned!

A "Wolfy" Mistletoe Surprise

2011-12-28T11:31:00.000-05:00

Zephyr and Alawa, The Wolf Conservation Center's eight-month-old Ambassador wolf pups, have been having a blast during their first winter holiday season! Last week we shared a video of Zephyr opening up one of his many holiday gifts and it's always a treat for WCC visitors to witness the wolves making new discoveries. Watch closely as Zephyr, the black wolf, finds something interesting around the 15 second mark. It's easy to miss so try not to blink! For more information about the 25 wolves that call the WCC home, please visit our website at www.nywolf.org, and our Facebook page.

Happy Howlidays from the Wolf Conservation Center!

2011-12-27T09:58:00.000-05:00

Beautiful Alawa Greets the Morning Sun

2011-12-23T08:38:00.000-05:00

Zephyr vs. Wrapped Present

2011-12-22T11:20:00.000-05:00

Last weekend, Wolf conservation Center guests watched as Ambassador wolf pup Zephyr was treated to his first holiday gift of the season. Zephyr is no stranger to gifts, but one wrapped in ornate paper was something he has yet to behold. The 8-month-old had trouble determining if this was a treat or a threat. Check out his adorable antics in this video!

Defenders of Wildlife Speaks Up For Idaho Wolves

2011-12-21T11:49:00.000-05:00

Defenders of Wildlife is asking supporters to speak up for Idaho wolves. Wildlife Services is beginning its aerial gunning campaign to kill up to 75 wolves in the Lolo area near the Clearwater National Forest in Idaho. Defenders reports the stated reason for the wolf-killing plan is to artificially boost the elk population. Wolves are blamed for the dropping elk numbers in that area even though "elk numbers began decreasing in the area long before wolves made their way there, as suitable elk habitat in the area declined." If your hackles are raised, please click here and take action.

WCC Crew Off To Pick Up New Mate for Red Wolf F1291

2011-12-20T09:35:00.000-05:00

Red wolf F1291

A few months ago during the Red Wolf Species Survival Plan (RWSSP) annual meeting, the red wolf management group did some match making with the help of software developed for red wolf population management and soon we'll find out if a computer can double as cupid. A small team from the Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) headed out early this morning to pick up red wolf M1394 from the Mill Mountain Zoo in VA. On paper, M1394 and WCC's long time resident, F1291, are a perfect match. Only time will tell but in the meantime, we're looking forward to introducing the pair and hopefully celebrating their pups come April of May. Stay tuned!

Tragedy in the Southwest

2011-12-16T11:51:00.000-05:00

Mexican wolf M805

On December 14, wild Mexican gray wolf F1105 was shot dead on private land in New Mexico at the direction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The lone 4-yr-old female was unable to find a mate in the wild and thus was reportedly attracted to local dogs. Lobos of the Southwest urges us to speak up for Mexican gray wolves. This tragedy is one more reason to release more critically endangered Mexican gray wolves into the wild. Please read the press release here and tell USFWS that it's time to expedite more releases of captive wolves into the their ancestral wilds of the southwest.

Hysteria About Wolves Built On Exaggeration

2011-12-15T12:20:00.000-05:00

Photo: Roni Chastain from WCC Photo Session Program December 2011

An excellent opinion piece was printed in The Missoulian earlier this week about the high emotions that wolves and their management provoke in the West. Kudos to Marty Essen, author of the award-winning book: "Cool Creatures, Hot Planet: Exploring the Seven Continents," for expressing his opinion on this controversial topic so well.

To read the article in the Missoulian, please follow this link: http://missoulian.com/news/opinion/columnists/hysteria-about-wolves-built-on-exaggeration/article_6962bc94-2599-11e1-90c1-001871e3ce6c.html

Preparing for Wolf Breeding Season: Girls to the Left, Boys to the Right

2011-12-14T08:53:00.000-05:00

Breeding season is an exciting time at the Wolf Conservation Center (WCC), especially since we have four potential litters to celebrate on the horizon! Preparing for breeding season, however, can be a lot of work. This time of year WCC staff and volunteers venture to the vast enclosures within our endangered species facility to harass some of the elusive Mexican gray wolves for one last time this season. During the season of romance, the Mexican wolf males need to be separated from the females to prevent spontaneous breeding from occurring. Inbreeding doesn't occur often in the wild but in captivity the lobos have limited options so a family member can appear pretty appealing when hormones are racing. All of our enclosures have a dividing fence line through their interior so packs will remain in their original territories, but males on one side and females on the other. It's kind of like a middle school dance! The real work for WCC staff and volunteers is to fortify the dividing fence lines with mesh to prevent breeding from occurring through the fence. Yes, you read correctly, they can do "it" though chain link fencing. So today is the day that Mexican wolf brothers and sisters will be captured by our team, identified, and sent to one side or another to reside with their same sex siblings until late March or early April.

Saving a Species: Challenges of Match-Making in the Red Wolf Recovery Program

2011-12-13T16:01:00.000-05:00

The elusive red wolf F1291

During the summer, the Species Survival Plan (SSP) management group for the red wolf determined the program's breeding pairs for the 2012 season. Wolves are “mono-estrus” -- breeding only once a year during the winter months. Hence, winter is an exciting time for wolves in North America and the WCC too!
Last season 8-year-old red wolf F1291 was paired with a younger male, M1587. The two wolves appeared well bonded but unfortunately they failed to prove fruitful. M1587 (aka "Beefcake" due to his impressive physique) is F1291's second male companion since she joined the WCC family in 2004.

Dr Wood and WCC curator Rebecca Bose

F1291 is the fourth most genetically valuable wolf in the red wolf SSP program so all parties involved have high hopes that she can contribute some of her genetics to the recovery of her species. Last week Quarry Ridge Animal Hospital's Dr Wood generously donated her time and Dr Stuhr from Animal Eye Clinic Wilton let us borrow his ultrasound equipment to help determine why F1291 has yet to have pups. We captured F1291 and then right in her enclosure, Dr Wood and Vet Tech Paula Kennedy conducted the examination. The whole ordeal took no longer than 20 minutes and at day's end nothing out of the ordinary was discovered. Perhaps F1291 prefers that she lead the mate selection process instead of software developed for the population management of her species!

WCC's Jim Horton, Alex Spitzer, and M1587

The Red Wolf SSP management group decided to give F1291 another chance at motherhood and this time with a new red wolf, M1394, from the Mill Mountain Zoo in VA. This morning we returned to the their enclosure with our friends from Rhode Island's Roger Williams Park Zoo to capture M1587. "Beefcake" will soon reside on exhibit at his new home in Rhode Island where he and his new mate, "Sequoia," will help people better understand the importance of their rare species.

It's been a bittersweet morning. We met some great folks from the Roger Williams Park Zoo, we said goodbye to the biggest red wolf any of us have every seen, and we have our digits crossed that the "third time's a charm!" Stay tuned, breeding season is less than a month away!

National WolfWatcher Coalition Giving You a Last Chance to Speak Up for WY Wolves

2011-12-12T13:09:00.001-05:00

As we began 2011, wolves of the Northern Rockies were listed as endangered. Just a few months later everything changed for this special population of predators. During the spring, Congress passed a 2011 budget rider (Sec. 1713) that removed Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections from wolves in Idaho, Montana, eastern Washington, eastern Oregon and northern Utah. Congress excluded Wyoming from the rider stating that it's wolf management plan wasn't viable.

Although U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) criticized the Wyoming wolf plan in the past, this summer the federal agency announced their plan to accept Wyoming's proposal and now wildlife advocates fear disastrous consequences will follow.

U.S. Rep. Lummis (WY) inserted a wolf delisting rider (Sec.113) in the proposed 2012 budget bill which seeks to permanently delist wolves in WY and the Western Great Lakes without judicial review. The House vote takes place on Dec. 16th so there is not much time left to take action on behalf of Wyoming's wolves.

If your hackles are raised please visit National WolfWatcher Coalition's web page dedicated to helping people act on behalf of this special wolf population.

WildEarth Guardians Working to Protect The ESA

2011-12-09T13:33:00.000-05:00

Watch WildEarth Guardians' Jay Tutchton testify before Congress in defense of our nation’s cornerstone environmental law: the Endangered Species Act.

Controversial Topics To Be Discussed At Today's MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks Public Meeting

2011-12-08T11:21:00.001-05:00

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is holding a public meeting today starting at noon (EST). Among the topics on the agenda will be whether or not to extend the wolf hunting season by a month if the quota of 220 isn't met by the end of the year and whether to allow hunters to assist state and federal officials in killing wolves that are found guilty of livestock predation.

Last month the Bozeman Daily Chronicle offered an online poll re: the plan to extend the wolf hunting season and 74% of the folks who participated voted "no." We'll have to wait and see if this sentiment is echoed at today's meeting.

You can listen to the meeting live at: http://fwp.mt.gov/doingBusiness/insideFwp/commission/audio.html

Atka, Your Roots Are Showing!

2011-12-07T14:58:00.000-05:00

For many of us, rainy days can be bad "hair days." Although Wolf Conservation Center Ambassador Wolf Atka need not fret about his looks, rainy weather can take its toll on a wolf tresses as well. Wet days often reveal that Atka is not the color he usually appears to be. This natural beauty's coat consists of two elements: the long guard hairs that form the visible outer layer of of the coat and the soft dense undercoat. The coarse guard hairs determine Atka's appearance/color. These hairs are hollow and without pigment so most of the time Atka appears white. The undercoat, however, is usually gray in color and on rainy days this layer is more visible. No need for a dye job Atka, we love you roots and all!

Wolf Conservation Center's Project: Poetry

2011-12-06T15:22:00.000-05:00

The wolf is a charismatic beast and had been the subject of song and verse for eons. Earlier this year, the Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) teamed up with Mamaroneck Poet Laureate Mary Louise Cox to capture and present the impact that the WCC wolves have on young children visiting the Center with their schools. The task was simple - Ms Cox asked that each child finish the sentence : "Today I..." and students gladly took part.
On Sunday, Atka and crew presented at the Mamaroneck Public Library where we unveiled the resulting poem compiled by Ms Cox. Big thanks all the participating school children and to Mary Louise Cox for demonstrating the inspirational force of wolves in the form of the written word.

Today I saw a wolf.                          Rajan 8 yrs.
― met a red wolf.                                           Emily 8 yrs.
― watched wolves.                                                  Zechariah 5 yrs.
― saw Mexican wolves                                          Wille 6 yrs.
― watched wolves.                                              Fredinka 3 yrs.
― learned about wolves.                                          Michael 8 yrs.
― saw very sharpe teeth.                                         Julianna 8 yrs.
― saw a wolf.                                                            Sarah 8 yrs.
― saw wolves and they were so cool.
I saw one come out of the pool.                               Juliet 8 yrs.
― saw wolves and they were awesome!                   Gianna 8 yrs.
― saw beautiful white fur.    James 8 yrs.
― had fun with my friends.                                       Gabbie 9 yrs.
― saw wolves.                                                          Joanna 8 yrs.
― helped support the wolves. Anna 9 yrs.
― howled with the wolves. Griffin 7 yrs.
― saw a wolf.                                                            Luke 8 yrs.
― saw a red wolf lying.                                            Nicholas 7 yrs.
― saw a wolf.       Aidan 7 yrs.
― learned about wolves.                                         Dylan 6 yrs.
― got rained on.    Joseph 8 yrs.
― I learned.                                                              Tommy 8 yrs.
― saw red wolves.                                                   Hudson 8 yrs.
― found out what wolves eat.                                 Steven 7 yrs.
― saw different types of wolves. Fayre 9 yrs.
― saw wolves. Henri 7 yrs.
― saw Atka.                                                             Martin 9 yrs

Some Young Conservationists Are At It Again!

2011-12-03T15:42:00.000-05:00

The Woodmere Middle Schoolers are at it again! WMS Team 7A has been working hard on their research project on Endangered Species. The group of dedicated middle schoolers are investigating the importance of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), they're researching specific endangered or threatened mammals and the causes of their endangerment, and they are drawing conclusions about the impact of their potential extinction if measures are not taken to protect them. This journey in learning will include a video project that will be shared with other schools, their government representatives, and conservation organizations to help spread the news about endangered species and the importance of the ESA.

In addition to this compelling work, the team has been busy fund-raising for the Wolf Conservation Center (WCC)and their December 1st and 2nd NY Pretzel sale brought in $700!! Way to go Team 7A!

THANK YOU!

WCC staff and wolves will be able to thank (back row): Gianna, Jessica, Eddie, Alberto, Marsello, and Fernando; (front row): George, Jonathan, Ben and Eros in person later this spring when they visit the WCC along with students from Rhode Island’s Rocky Hill School. Here, all the young conservationists will exchange ideas and their findings and of course share some howls with Atka, Zephyr, and Alawa!

The Wolf Conservation Center Visits Fox News

2011-12-01T12:52:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Maggie Howell, the Wolf Conservation Center's managing director, made a brief appearance on Fox News to discuss why it's so important to educate people about wolves. Atka opted to stay at home for this gig, he didn't want to steal the spotlight from President Obama and Justin Bieber who were also visiting the Big Apple :)

National Geographic's Crittercam Offers New Perspective

2011-11-30T10:00:00.002-05:00

Ever wonder what it would be like to see the world through the eyes of a wolf? We certainly have! At the Wolf Conservation Center, we've especially wondered what our ambassador wolves see and think. While we can only guess at what they're thinking, Kyler Abernathy, one of our friends from National Geographic, stopped by the other day to give us some insight into the way our wolves experience their world.

Kyler Abernathy by Josh Lewis

Kyler is the Director of Research for National Geographic's Remote Imagery, which means he's instrumental in the designing and implementing of National Geographic's Crittercams. Working closely with field biologists and other scientists, Kyler and his teams have placed cameras on all sorts of animals, including sea lions, tiger sharks, and grizzly bears, and brought back a wealth of information.

Crittercam Collar. Photo: Josh Lewis

The Crittercam program started with aquatic animals and only moved onto land in the past decade. So when Kyler wanted to test out some cameras and collars for potential use with wolves in the wild, we were only too happy to offer the services of our ambassador pack. Visiting the day after Thanksgiving, Kyler was graced by beautiful weather and complete cooperation from Atka, our 9 1/2 year-old Arctic gray wolf, and the 7 month old siblings Alawa and Zephyr.

Bose fitting Atka's collar. Photo: Josh Lewis

We quickly placed the sturdy but unobtrusive collars holding small cameras around the ambassadors' necks and then let them get back to their regular
business: roaming around their enclosures and taking part in one of our regularly scheduled educational programs.

After a few hours, during which we were lucky to hear some of Kyler's stories about Crittercam projects - despite all the incredible tales about wild animals, my favorite was about owners graphically learning just how good a hunter their housecat was - we retrieved the cameras.
Before leaving, Kyler was nice enough to preview a portion of the amazing footage for us. We gathered around his computer enthralled by Alawa's view of her enclosure as she ran around, interacted with brother Zephyr, came up to the fence for a program, and even visited Atka.
We're excited to have helped out this worthy project and look forward to future collaborations and, of course, more footage! With any luck we'll also be able to bring Kyler back to the WCC to share his incredible stories with our guests during one of our special programs.
So stay tuned, there's always something interesting going on here!

Make Black Friday More Meaningful, Speak Up for the Endagered Species Act

2011-11-25T09:21:00.000-05:00

Due to current Congressional threats to one of America's cornerstone environmental laws, the Endangered Species Act (ESA), many species are in peril including the critically endangered lobo. The 2012 Interior budget (HR2584) contains devastating amendments which threaten our country's environmental programs like never before in modern history. Wolf Conservation Center supporters often ask what they can do to safeguard the future of wolves here in our country and the National WolfWatcher Coalition (NWC) is offering some guidance.

In speaking with several environmental staffers in Washington DC in the last year, the NWC learned that postcards are a noticeable means by which citizens can make their voices heard because they are unique, brief and easily accepted via mail. Thus, NWC encourages wildlife supporters across the nation to send a unique postcard, along with a brief statement in support of the ESA, from your location to a select number of pro-environmental and moderate (on-the-fence) representatives in Congress.

For some sample talking points and additional resources, please visit United Postcard Campaign page on the NWC's website.

To learn more about the ESA and the threats this law faces, please listen to Defenders of Wildlife's Robert Dewey in an interview from last month.

A Temporary Reprieve for Alaska's Kenai Wolves

2011-11-23T10:46:00.000-05:00

The Alaska Wildlife Alliance rallied their supporters to speak up for the wolves of Kenai and their comments were heard! Thanks to the overwhelming number of comments submitted to the Alaska Board of Game, the proposals to begin aerial wolf killing on the Kenai Peninsula were postponed until January.
This is one wonderful example of how our actions can affect the world. We each have a voice and the right to use it in order to safeguard our future and the future of generations to come. Well done Alaska Wildlife Alliance! If you would like to learn more about this organization and receive their email alerts so you too can take action on behalf of Alaska's wolves, please visit their website at: http://www.akwildlife.org/.

To read more about this small but significant victory, please click here.

Online Poll Makes It Easy To Speak Up For Montana Wolves

2011-11-22T10:28:00.000-05:00

MT is planning to extend the wolf hunting season by one month since the wolf quota of 220 might not be met by the end of the year. The state is also considering to offer the use of barbaric and indiscriminate traps as tool to reduce the wolf population. The Bozeman Daily Chronicle has offered an online poll re: the this plan so if your hackles are raised, please click on this link and vote "no" to show you oppose this proposal.

Montana looks to Extend It's Wolf Hunting Season

2011-11-21T14:39:00.000-05:00

This year's controversial wolf hunt in the state of Montana continues to raise hackles among wildlife advocates with a recent announcement that the state plans to extend the season by one month. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is planning to extend the wolf hunting season until January 31, 2012 if the wolf quota of 220 is not met first. The state is also considering to offer the barbaric use of indiscriminate traps as tool to reduce the wolf population.

Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks is seeking comments on this proposal and the National WolfWatcher Coalition is making it easy for you to take action. Please click here to go the the NWC's dedicated page to this issue.

Spotlight on Mexican Gray Wolf F516

2011-11-19T19:49:00.000-05:00

F516, a.k.a "Lighty"

Mexican gray wolf F516 ( a.k.a. "Lighty") has never had the chance to be among the lucky lobos who call the wilds of the Southwest home, but her life has been extremely meaningful nonetheless. The fourteen-year-old holds a special place in the Wolf Conservation Center's (WCC) history and the hearts of the staff and volunteers who had a chance to behold her.

M575, a.k.a. "Shep"

F516 and her mate M575 (a.k.a. "Shep") joined the WCC family in 2006 and were the very first pair of lobos to breed at our facility. Although F516 had proven fruitful in the past, the pair were unable to support a litter that year. The Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan (MWSSP) Management Group gave the pair one final opportunity to produce pups in 2007 but again they were unsuccessful. Even though their attempt to start a new family failed, F516 will continue to contribute to the species gene pool for years to come. In 2009, F516 was spayed and her ovaries preserved so that any viable eggs (oocytes) could be harvested and used in the future. The procedure was an enormous success and a remarkable 67 viable eggs were extracted! What a woman!
Like all our other Mexican wolves during her tenure, F516 lived off exhibit in a remote area of our facility where WCC guests were unable to visit. We couldn't see her, but she frequently made her presence known. She was the only Mexican gray wolf at the WCC who had a howl we could never fail to recognize.
F516 was transferred to the Oklahoma City Zoo during the fall of 2009 where she was widowed after the passing of M575. Her previous home in South Salem, NY was notably quieter without her. Now the grande dame of the Mexican wolf program calls Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center home in Scottsdale, AZ. The snowbird arrived on Monday and the press was there to celebrate her as they should!

It's funny, even though we don't interact or get to know the wolves within the MWSSP program, you can't help being touched by a few that stand out. No doubt the other lucky facilities that hosted the gal in the past have something special to share about "Lighty," as will Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center before you know it.

WildEarth Guardians Offers a Way To Speak Up For Wyoming Wolves

2011-11-17T14:28:00.000-05:00

As we began 2011, wolves of the Northern Rockies were listed as endangered. Just a few months later everything changed for this special population of predators. During the spring, Congress passed a 2011 budget rider (Sec. 1713) that removed Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections from wolves in Idaho, Montana, eastern Washington, eastern Oregon and northern Utah. Congress excluded Wyoming from the rider stating that it's wolf management plan wasn't viable.

Although U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) criticized the Wyoming wolf plan in the past, this summer the federal agency announced their plan to accept Wyoming's proposal and now wildlife advocates fear disastrous consequences will follow.

Thankfully, it's not too late for Wyoming's wolves. The Wyoming wolf management plan is out for public comment and WildEarth Guardians is calling all wildlife advocates to speak up on behalf of the wolves that call this state home. Click here to learn how you can share your comments with USFWS.

Thank you WildEarth Guardians!

When the world says, "Give up," Hope whispers, "Try one more time."

2011-11-16T13:52:00.000-05:00

When the world says, "Give up," Hope whispers, "Try one more time." from Diane Bentivegna on Vimeo.

Diane Bentivegna, friend and supporter of the Wolf Conservation Center (WCC), recently released this lovely video as a brief respite from the sad news wildlife advocates hear all too often about wolves here in our country. Diane looks to the wolf not only to ease her soul, but as a middle school teacher she recognizes that this misunderstood predator is charismatic subject and and an ideal topic of interdisciplinary study. Although Diane will be retiring after this school year, her passion for wolves, conservation, and education will continue to impact people and wildlife for years to come as one of the founding Board members of National Wolfwatcher Coalition. Thanks Diane!

A Clean Bill Of Health for Some Brawny Wolves

2011-11-15T12:19:00.002-05:00

Atka howling for the spotlight

It's always a treat for Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) staff, volunteers, and supporters when the twenty-five wolves that call the WCC home serenade us with their soulful howls. Yesterday, however, the usual sounds that echo throughout the Center were replaced by a collective sigh of relief. Yesterday we completed the last of three "health exam capture days" scheduled this season so our sixteen Mexican gray wolves and six red wolves can return to living peacefully in a natural environment where they can reside without our interference. Congrats to the majority of the wolves we meddled with this season as they will not have to deal with the likes of us for another year!

Almost 90lb Red Wolf M1587 returning to his enclosure

Our dedicated team met early in the morning and by noon we had captured, "processed" (administered vaccinations, took blood, and weights), and released back home six red wolves and two Mexican wolves. Everyone was is perfect health and most were almost chunky! Road kill deer does the body good...

Paul Maus, DVM

Big thanks to our great team of volunteers who came out for the task as well as our generous veterinarian, Paul Maus, DVM from North Westchester Veterinary Office, who donated his time and expertise.

Also big thanks to National WolfWatcher Coalition's Diane Bentivegna who came out to assist. Check out her video of a red wolf capture below.

¡Adiós Lobo!

2011-11-12T11:33:00.000-05:00

F810, one of the sixteen critically endangered Mexican gray wolves that call the Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) home as part of a Species Survival Plan under the Endangered Species Act, cannot wait to return to her vast enclosure after her annual health check up earlier this week. WCC staff and volunteers administer annual health exams once a year. With the exception of these events,our lobos live peacefully in a natural environment where these most elusive creatures can reside with minimal human contact to help maintain their timidity and best prepare them for a future in the wilds of Arizona. So far two of the WCC's Mexican wolves have been released into the wild and we hope to give some other lobos the same awesome opportunity soon. There are only about 50 Mexican wolves living in the wild her in our country.

Love Thy Neighbor! Or Else...

2011-11-11T15:51:00.002-05:00

M740 evades our crew/ Photo: Josh Lewis

This time of year Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) staff and volunteers are often prying into the private lives of the critically endangered wolves that call the WCC home. It's the season for annual medical exams and late last month we "processed" (administered vaccinations, took blood, and weights) a family of seven Mexican gray wolves without a hitch. It was the first of three "check-up capture days" scheduled this season. A few days ago, we processed two additional packs of Mexican wolves. The first pack is a family of three: brother wolves M804 and M807 and female wolf F749. Next we captured the second pack, a pair of wolves "named" F810 and M740. The captures and exams very smoothly and thankfully all the lobos passed their check up with flying colors! Now that we had completed the exams, it was time for us to meddle with their personal lives.

Every summer the Species Survival Plan (SSP) management group for the Mexican gray wolf determine which wolves should be bred each year by using software developed for the population management of endangered species. Wolves are “mono-estrus” -- breeding only once a year during the winter months, so autumn is the season to make some introductions between our match-made couples.

Mexican wolves M740 and F749 thought they were through with us once we had completed their exams. The wolves don't realize that they are a vital pair with the lowest inbreeding coefficient in the Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan (MWSSP) program! M740 is nine years old and has called the WCC home since his transfer from the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, IL in October of 2009. He was paired with Mexican wolf F810 for the past two years but the couple failed to produce pups. So after the check ups were completed, we moved F810 to live with her brothers, M804 and M807, and moved F749 to live with her new mate-to-be. F749 is the same age and joined the WCC family in December of 2009 after living at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Wolf Management Facility in New Mexico. The pair will live side by side with a fence-line between them so for a few weeks before we formally introduce them. Only time will tell if they're a match, we're hoping they fall head over paws!

Dr Bayha/ Photo: Josh Lewis

Big thanks to Dr Renee Bayha from the Pound Ridge Veterinary Center for volunteering her time, expertise, and labor this morning and to the lobos that are a part of something much bigger than they realize.

The Wolf Conservation Center Needs Your Vote!

2011-11-10T11:20:00.002-05:00

Hi Everyone! The WCC has a great chance of receiving $25K through the Chase Community Giving Program! Please take a moment and vote!! Each person gets to vote for 10 different charities and voting ends on November 22nd. Atka and crew THANK YOU!

PLEASE VOTE HERE: https://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/134073912-wcc?src=vote_share

Big Day in Court for Wolves and the ESA

2011-11-08T08:46:00.000-05:00

It's been more than 2 months since the wolf hunts begun in the states of Idaho and Montana and more than 150 wolves have been killed.

As we began 2011, wolves of the Northern Rockies were listed as endangered but Congress passed a 2011 budget rider (Sec. 1713) in the spring that removed Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections from wolves in Idaho, Montana, eastern Washington, eastern Oregon and northern Utah. This controversial move was unprecedented as this "delisting" was conducted by politicians and not a process of scientific review that the ESA requires.

Today there is hope. Although prior requests for an emergency injunction to halt the hunts were denied, in a few hours a panel of federal judges will make a decision re: the hunts after wildlife advocates state their case in a Montana courtroom.

A lot rides on today's rule. Montana's wolf hunt quota is 220 and Idaho has no quota at all but intends to maintain 150 out of the 700 that currently call this state home. Our fingers are crossed that we'll have promising news to report following this hearing.

Senator Jack Reed : Endangered Species Act and Wolves

2011-11-06T09:05:00.000-05:00

November 4,2011 - National Wolfwatcher Coalition's Dave Hornoff and Endangered Species Coalition's Northeast Coordinator Tara Thornton met up in Rhode Island to meet with Senator J. Reed (D-RI) who chairs the Senate Subcommittee on Interior and Environment. They discussed the Endangered Species Act, politics, and wolves and their impact on the environment and economy. Big thanks to both orgs for reaching out to the Senator! To Dave Hornoff's report about the meeting, please click here.

Some Good News for Some Wolves In Alaska!

2011-11-03T17:42:00.000-04:00

Last week in Homer, Alaska the Homer Fish and Game Advisory Committee recommended that the Board of Game NOT approve two intensive management proposals that include aerial wolf control. Vice Chair Tom Young said he voted against the wolf control proposals because the limiting factor on the moose population is not predation by wolves, but rather the "stressed" habitat they share. HomerNews.com reports that most of the members in attendance at last weeks meeting spoke against the wolf control proposals stating that there is a lack of evidence reflecting that wolves are the problem. This is some promising news for one small portion of Alaska's wolf population and we'll take it! To read more about the meeting in HomerNews.com, please click here.

Wolf Conservation Center in the News

2011-11-02T16:14:00.000-04:00

AP photo: Seth Wenig

A few weeks ago Jim Fitzgerald and Seth Wenig from the Associated Press paid us a visit in South Salem, NY and the wolves made quite an impact! Click here to read this story that spotlights the WCC's participation in the Species Survival Plan for some of the rarest mammals in North America, the red wolf and the Mexican gray wolf. Enjoy!

Best Halloween Ever! For the Wolves That Is...

2011-10-31T09:09:00.000-04:00

Atka and the other 24 wolves that call the Wolf Conservation Center home agree, this is the best Halloween ever! Snow dumped on our 27 acres in South Salem, NY toppling a dozen or so trees, damaging enclosures, wiping out power and phones, and bringing enormous smiles to our frisky denizens that love winter the best.

Critically Endangered Lobos Receive a House Call From the Doc

2011-10-28T15:59:00.001-04:00

3-year-old F1143 hides from the menacing humans

Autumn is a magical time at the Wolf Conservation Center. Colorful leaves are dancing in the breeze, cider is brewing in our cozy classroom cabin, and critically endangered wolves are shaking in their boots dreading the day humans set foot in their remote territories. The staff and volunteers rarely disturb our sixteen Mexican gray wolves and six red wolves, but when autumn rolls around, we get up close and personal with these most elusive animals for the wolves' annual medical exams. Today was the first of three "check-up capture days" scheduled this season.
A group of WCC volunteers and staff met this early morning with clipboards, vaccinations, thermometers, doughnuts, etc..., basically all the equipment to best prepare our team to meet the challenge of catching seven elusive lobos. In order to administer vaccinations, take blood, and weigh each wolf, we calmly herd the wolves through their spacious enclosure and into capture boxes - wooden doghouse-like structures with removable roofs. Once a wolf is captured in the box, the WCC's generous volunteer veterinarian proceeds with the exam. The actual exam takes only minutes, the real challenge is capturing the frightened wolves. Thankfully, twelve-year-old F613 and her six three-year-old offspring ran into their boxes without a hitch, this isn't F613's first rodeo! All the wolves looked in tip top shape, Mama wolf F613 looked amazing. I guess managing six three-year-olds can keep a gal spry! Big thanks to Dr Khodakhah from the Pound Ridge Veterinary Center for volunteering her time, expertise, and labor this morning and to F613 for taking great care of her family.

I'm outta here!

Who's Bringing the Popcorn!

2011-10-27T11:29:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow night is the Wolf Conservation Center's last Movie Night of 2011! This time tomorrow we'll be setting up our outdoor theater to treat our guests to wonderful film, “Lords of Nature: Life in a Land of Great Predators!” Join us for this compelling 60 minute documentary that goes behind the scenes with leading scientists to explore the role top predators play in restoring and maintaining ecosystems and biodiversity. Guests will enjoy the film under the stars alongside the two of the WCC’s apex predators, 6-month-olds Alawa and Zephyr!

There will be no “shhhhh-ing” aloud at the WCC theater, our movie-goers will be aloud to howl as they please during the presentation.Please click here to learn more and to regisiter today!

East Meets West. Different Wolves Share a Common Mission.

2011-10-26T13:47:00.001-04:00

Yesterday proved to be another eventful October day at the Wolf Conservation Center (WCC). Atka wowed the great kids from Central Elementary School in Simsbury, CT and then returned home to inspire a group of scouts back in digs at the WCC. It's customary for Atka to do a bit of marking when he first returns home from a road trip and yesterday was no different from the norm. He raised his leg with style to remind us that he is indeed the boss and then scent rolled a few times in the thick weeds along his pathway home. He always checks these spots when en route to his enclosure and no doubt he'll be surprised at what he smells when he next passes by! He won't be detecting his usual trademark scent but the signatures of the great traveling ambassador wolves from Mission: Wolf! Mission: Wolf is a wonderful organization that has led national outreach programs with ambassador wolves for decades.

The organization's two co-founders, Kent Weber and Tracy Brooks, stopped by to give their ambassador wolves Magpie (aka Maggie), Zaeb, and Abe a great couple of hours to run around in one of the WCC's vacant enclosures. I can only imagine what was running through the minds of our lupine guests as they traveled up our driveway with the scents of the WCC's 25 wolves filling their nostrils.

The trio seemed quite at home, stopping to mark on top of Atka's fresh scents from earlier that day. They were eager to explore the overgrown enclosure and as soon as they arrived they rushed the fence line to investigate the diminutive duo living in the adjacent habitat. Wolves tend to love pups and Maggie, Zaeb, and Abe greeted 6-month-old Alawa and Zephyr with tender enthusiasm. The pups came tumbling down the slope to check out the visitors but once Zephyr got a view of his new neighbors, he hightailed it up the hill as fast as his mini legs could carry him! Brave Alawa, however, lingered by the fence to take it all in and her brother eventually decided to join her.

Magpie!

While Maggie, Zaeb, and Abe romped around up and down the hills and in and out of the thick brush, the WCC and Mission: Wolf families discussed the victories, challenges, and heartfelt moments of promoting wolf conservation though education. Once the sun had set we returned the wolves to the Mission:Wolf bus where Maggie, Zaeb, and Abe chewed on some bones while we lingered a bit longer with our friends from the West. At the end of the day, it was clear to all that a visit to the WCC will have to become an annual event. We waved goodbye but not without sending the Mission wolf crew with some roadies: fresh deer legs and bones. Mission: Wolf will be continuing their Ambassador tour of the Northeast for a few more days. Please click here to see if they'll be in your neck of the woods soon!

Endangered Species Act Endangered?

2011-10-24T13:30:00.000-04:00

Defenders of Wildlife's Robert Dewey discusses the current Congressional threats to one of America's cornerstone environmental laws - the ESA. Many species are in peril including the critically endangered lobo. Please click here and take a moment to listen to the interview.

Getting Ready for the Wolf Conservation Center's First Movie Night!

2011-10-21T14:35:00.000-04:00

Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) staff and wolves are getting excited for tonight's special event - WCC's Movie Night! In just a few hours our guests will be enjoying “The Rise of Black Wolf,” a film by Emmy award-winning wildlife cinematographer Bob Landis. This won't be a typical night at the movies. First, we're missing a theater. Second, there will be no "Shhhhh-ing" aloud! Our movie-goers will be aloud to howl as they please during the presentation. If you too would like to join us for a film under the stars and alongside the WCC's 6-month-old Ambassador wolf pups Zephyr and Alawa, we'll doing our second Movie Night next week!

Is there such thing as venison-flavored popcorn?

Ambasador Wolf Pup Milestone: Alawa and Zephyr Are 6 Months Old! Celebrate With a Free Ringtone!

2011-10-20T13:12:00.000-04:00

The 25 wolves that call the Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) home have been singing all day. Perhaps the gusty weather has them extra peppy today or maybe they know it's National Wolf Awareness Week so they want aim to make everyone in the neighborhood aware of that this is their territory! Maybe the beautiful beasts are serenading our 6-month-old sopranos with their rendition of "Happy Birthday." Whatever the reason, we cannot get enough of their magnificent song.

In recognition of National Wolf Awareness Week and this special milestone for Alawa and Zephyr, we want YOU to enjoy their music as well. Please click here to listen to the vocal stylings of the WCC chorus. Atka, of course, takes the lead. If you would like to download the howl for your ring tone, visit our home page at http://www.nywolf.org/ , scroll down and look for the free download directions on the left side of the page. Enjoy!

Celebrating Yellowstone on National Wolf Awareness Week

2011-10-19T15:35:00.000-04:00

National WolfWatcher Coalition's co-president Dave Hornoff is today's guest blogger on Defenders of Wildlife's Wolf Awareness Week blog series! Dave shares some highlights from his years of wolf-watching in Yellowstone National Park and his perspective on the controversial wolf hunts in Idaho and Montana. If you get a chance to visit Yellowstone, look for Dave. He has a knack for finding the Parks' diva wolf - "gray wolf 06," and Dave is easy to spot. Just look for the fellow with impeccable fashion sense!

If you need a taste of Yellowstone this weekend, please join us for a special program this Saturday at 11AM for- "Wolves of Yellowstone." The WCC hosted some fantastic Yellowstone adventures last season and we’re eager to share our insights about wolf reintroduction, the beneficial ecological effect wolves have had on our nation’s first national park, and the debate that surrounds this misunderstood predator in the West. Pre-registration is required. Click here to register now!

New Neighbors South of the Border!

2011-10-18T15:32:00.000-04:00

Today is day three of National Wolf Awareness Week and it's time to celebrate! No longer are wild-roaming endangered Mexican gray wolves limited to the vast stretch of forest in southeast Arizona and southwest New Mexico. On October 11th, a five-member pack of wolves wolves was released south of the border in the Mexican state of Sonora. This move represents a significant step in the effort to grow the wild Mexican wolf population, Mexico hasn’t been home to the critically endangered Mexican gray wolf in decades. ¡Buena suerte!

Sad News From Yellowstone. 642F R.I.P.

2011-10-17T13:34:00.000-04:00

642F - photo: Teton Science Schools Journal **

Montana's backcountry wolf hunt in the remote Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness along the northern border of Yellowstone National Park is officially closed. The wolf quota for this area was set at 3 (Montana's overall wolf harvest quota is 220), and among the casualties is a collared wolf who many wildlife enthusiasts had the thrill to observe. Her "name" was 642F. This is not the first time a wolf with a name has been taken by a controversial wolf hunt. In 2009 the Montana hunt claimed the Cottonwood pack's breeding female 527F. News of her death weighed heavy on the hearts of Yellowstone's wildlife watchers, she was daughter of legendary breeding pair 21M and 42F, a pair made famous by several PBS and Discovery Channel films. This is a huge blow to wolf watchers and researchers from around the world who flock to Yellowstone to behold wild wolves in action. As Montana's controversial wolf hunt continues, wolf advocates remain hopeful that the ongoing hunt is only a temporary setback on the road to restoring federal protections for the northern Rocky Mountain wolves. Rest in Peace 642F and the other 50 plus wolves that have been taken by this year's hunt in Montana.
If the Idaho and Montana hunts have your hackles up, you're not alone. Today The Alliance for the Wild Rockies, Friends of the Clearwater, and WildEarth Guardians filed their request for an Emergency Injunction from the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to stop wolf hunts. This announcement comes just days before Montana's statewide rifle season opens. Stay tuned for updates.

** To learn more about the impact 642F had on people, please read this post from 2009 on the Teton Science Schools Journal Blog.

It's National Wolf Awareness Week!

2011-10-16T16:54:00.000-04:00

Today is the first day of National Wolf Awareness week and everybody, including Talons' Jewel the Raven, is talking about it! Please help spread the word about this special celebration by sending a friend or family member a Wolf Conservation Center Ecard. Have a great week everybody!

Zephyr's "Green Fire."

2011-10-14T13:54:00.000-04:00

Photo by John Norton. To read Norton's recent article about the WCC in yesterday's TimesUnion.com, please click here.

Jean Craighead George Goes Electronic. Can't Wait to See What's Next!

2011-10-13T11:50:00.002-04:00

It's always a treat spending time with Jean Craighead George. She's a hero to many who work at the Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) and even Atka lights up when he's greeted by her howl.

Jean often visits the WCC, sometimes for some quiet moments with our wolves and other times to wow our visitors with tales of her childhood adventures and other life experiences that helped shape so many of Jean's wonderful novels. Jean's intimate and inspirational talks in our classroom have touched WCC visitors of all ages. When Jean is in our territory, it's always a special day. Earlier this summer, the team at Open Road Media approached us about filming our wolves to help promote the ebook version of Jean's Newbery Award-winning novel Julie of the Wolves. It was our pleasure to give the lovely crew access to our nine wolves living on exhibit, anything for Jean. Please enjoy the video which includes some cute puppy footage of Zephyr and Alawa and check out the selection of Jean's ebooks available on the Open Road Media site. Now that Jean has gone electronic, we can't wait for her to go Hollywood. Stay tuned ;-)
We love you Jean!

You Can't Take a Wolf To the Movies But....

2011-10-12T13:40:00.000-04:00

... you can enjoy a movie with some wolves!
The Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) is celebrating National Wolf Awareness Week with special events for families all month long! On Friday October 21st, we're excited to present “The Rise of Black Wolf,” a film by Emmy award-winning wildlife cinematographer and friend of the WCC Bob Landis! This Yellowstone denizen has produced many films for programs such as National Geographic and Nature.
Guests will enjoy a screening of Landis’ latest wolf film outside and under the stars alongside the WCC own black wolf, Ambassador wolf Zephyr, and his sister Alawa too! Bleacher seating will be available but we recommend guests to bring beach/camping chairs of their own for more a comfortable experience. Following the one hour film, guests will have the opportunity to visit Atka as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves. Each guest will receive an official 2011 Wolf Awareness Week poster! Please bring flashlights. Pre-registration is required. Please click here to register today!

Movie Night Under the Stars! The Rise of Black Wolf

Date: October 21, 2011
Time: 6:30PM
Fee: $16 - adults / $13 - children (under 12)

Book Signing to Benefit WCC!

2011-10-11T12:48:00.000-04:00

Calling all animal lovers and WCC supporters! TONIGHT Neil Abramson, WCC neighbor and volunteer, and one of our nation's top legal advocates for animals, will be at the City Center in White Plains for a reading, discussion and signing of "Unsaid" -- a heartfelt and compassionate novel that explores the intuitive bonds between people and animals that transcend explanation.

Neil is donating all profits from books sold at the event to the WCC. What a great way to launch into Wolf Awareness Week. Thank you Neil!

Tuesday, October 11, 7:00 PM
Barnes & Noble Book Store
City Center
230 Main Street
White Plains, NY

The Wolf Conservation Center's 2012 Calendar Has Arrived!

2011-10-07T11:58:00.001-04:00

Please click here to order one today :)

Quack, quack

2011-10-06T11:35:00.002-04:00

Alawa and her rubber duckie :)

Ambassadors of the Past Remind Us Of Present Challenges In Lobo Recovery

2011-10-05T13:25:00.002-04:00

GuidepostsTV posted an old video on YouTube over the weekend that stars the Wolf Conservation Center's original Ambassador Pack members: Apache, Lukas, and Kaila. Apache clearly steals the show by howling with the host and interrupting the discussion about Mexican gray wolf recovery with his soulful song. Although the video brings back wonderful memories, it's discouraging that the wild Mexican gray wolf population has failed to grow since this video was shot three years ago. More than 13 years after they were first reintroduced to the Southwest, there are still only around 50 Mexican wolves in the wild, making them the most endangered mammal in north America.

The great folks from Lobos of the Southwest want the stalling to stop. It's time to start restoring eligible captive wolves to their ancestral home in the wilds of Arizona and New Mexico. Lobos of the Southwest has a dedicated page on their website to help people take action because Mexican gray wolves need to live wild, and wild places need them.

Long Island Wolf Expo!

2011-10-03T14:34:00.003-04:00

Atka locking eyes with one of the Expo's guests

Yesterday Atka and crew returned to Smithtown, New York to participate in the 8th annual Long Island Wolf Expo! Hundreds of wolf fans of all ages came out for the event. The youngest wolf advocate, at just 19 months old, sported a WCC baby T-shirt with Atka's pup photo with style. We reunited with some loyal supporters who we met from previous expos as well as the dedicated folks from the Loki Clan Wolf Refuge team who work on the behalf of wolves and wolf-dog hybrids. Although the Expo's energy was high, there was an underlying feeling doom and gloom due to the controversial wolf hunts in progress in Idaho and Montana. A great number of guests voiced their concern for the future of wild wolves and the Endangered Species Act and wanted to know what they could do.
Atka had inspired them to take action and thankfully the National Wolf Watcher Coalition was there to advise folks how to speak up on behalf of Atka's wild brothers and sisters.

Hundreds of attendees pledged to sign a relatively new petition hosted on whitehouse.gov that will warrant a statement from President if 5000 signatures are obtained by the end of the month. If you too are concerned about the status of the Northern Rocky Mountain wolf population, please consider signing the petition and sharing it with your friends. Big thanks to everyone who came out yesterday to show your support for wolves. See you next year :)

Long Island, here I come! Once I finish breakfast of course...

2011-10-02T06:31:00.000-04:00

*BURP*

Happy Weekend!

2011-10-01T15:52:00.000-04:00

♪♪ It's Saturday night ... ♫♫♪♪

Atka in Bloom

2011-09-30T14:50:00.000-04:00

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." ~Albert Camus

Atka's Night Out

2011-09-29T15:18:00.000-04:00

Atka as a young pup

Atka and crew had a really fun night visiting Tomkins Cove Public Library yesterday. Dozens of families braved the rain to attend the program, some even showed up decked out in full Wolf Conservation Center outfits! The first family to arrive are big Atka fans, they first met him when he was just six months old! They have followed Atka's adventures for close to a decade and they can't wait to meet Alawa and Zephyr when they next visit the Center!

Ambassador wolves Kaila, Lukas, and Apache

We also had some time to reflect on all of the friends we said goodbye to over the past year or so. When they first heard of Apache's passing in March of 2010, tears flowed among three generations within their family. Ambassador wolves Apache, Lukas, and Kaila are in my thoughts often, last night I was reminded of just how vast an impact these beautiful animals had.

Speaking Up For Northern Rocky Mountain Wolves

2011-09-28T14:52:00.000-04:00

Due to a 2011 budget rider (Sec. 1713) passed earlier this year, gray wolves in Idaho, Montana, eastern Washington, eastern Oregon and northern Utah lost federal protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Since the passage of this controversial bill, the Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) has been inundated with emails and calls from our dedicated supporters asking for resources so they can speak up for northern Rocky Mountain wolves. Just a few months ago wolves of Idaho and Montana were endangered. Today they are hunted. At least 36 wolves have been killed in these two states so far.

With so many issues on our government's plate, it's difficult to be heard through the political din. A new petition is in circulation though whitehouse.gov that has a chance of getting the President's attention if 5000 signatures are obtained within the next month. If your hackles are up about the delisting rider and the consequent hunts that followed, please consider signing this petition.

The Future Looks Bleak For Oregon's Imnaha Pack

2011-09-27T15:30:00.001-04:00

Photo: Christian Giliberto

Wolves of Oregon's Imnaha pack have captured the hearts and imagination of many wildlife enthusiasts and now 2 of the 4 members are slated to be killed. Can this pioneering pack survive with just the alpha female and her young pup? Please visit Oregon Wild Wolf Pack to see what you can do to help.

Complex Critter

2011-09-25T10:34:00.000-04:00

"I wonder why we think the thoughts and emotions of animals are simple." ~ John Steinbeck (Travels with Charley: In Search of America)

Dr Rasmussen: An Amazing Ambassador for the African Painted Dog

2011-09-24T16:41:00.000-04:00

A classroom full of WCC supporters braved the showers last night and boy was it worth it! Dr. Gregory Rasmussen, founder and director of the Painted Dog Conservation Project (PDC), delivered an educational and inspirational lecture about his life's passion, the African Painted Dog. Painted Dogs, also known as African Wild Dogs, are unique to Africa and they are among the continent's most endangered species. For MILLIONS of years this unique predator thrived throughout most of the continent. Over the past few centuries, however, painted dogs were persecuted so heavily that by the mid-1900’s most African countries were void of this beautiful canid. In the 1970s, as few as 300 or so dogs were struggling to survive with resilient populations only living in and around a handful of African National Parks.

Over the past twenty years, the PDC has made great strides on behalf of the organization's namesake. The dog population has increased considerably and in 2004 the species received threatened status. The PDC's most remarkable achievements, however, have benefitted not only this rare species, but also the communities that surround the habitat that the dogs require. The PDC works closely with the local communities in Zimbabwe to educate people about the importance of healthy painted dog populations and to employ conservation methods that provides great opportunities for the local citizens.

One very successful program has been the PDC's Art Center. Snare wire art is an example of how creativity, education, and conservation can work hand in hand. Snare wire takes the lives of many dogs every year. The PDC's anti-poaching units work in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Parks Wildlife Management Authority to reclaim thousands of these deadly wires from the bush and then the PDC Art Center sculpts the wire into beautiful wildlife masks. In the form of art, snare wire helps people learn about Africa's wildlife and the unnatural challenges that many species face today.

Although there has been some great success, the PDC faces challenges that are similar the ones wolf recovery programs confront here in the U.S. Poaching, livestock conflicts, and fear are among the issues that plague the conservation efforts of both species. Rasmussen's passion for conservation is powerful and the WCC is looking into ways we can assist in the recovery of this special species. If you want to learn more about the PDC and how you can support their wonderful mission, please visit their website and donate today.

Double Trouble?

2011-09-23T09:37:00.001-04:00

The new Zephyr plush toy has arrived! To order the adorable pup today, please visit our website shop by clicking here.

Pattycake, Pattycake...

2011-09-22T12:19:00.000-04:00

Five-month-old Ambassador wolf pup Alawa hams it up for the camera with a game of "pattycake!"

The WCC's Third Ambassador "Pup!"

2011-09-21T16:23:00.001-04:00

Last Saturday, the Wolf Conservation Center(WCC) was pleased to treat our guests to a special celebration during our morning's education program! We took a moment before visiting the Ambassador pups to honor a youngster of our own species, ten-year-old Alyssa Grayson. Members of the National WolfWatcher Coalition (including WCC's Maggie Howell) presented the 5th grader from Rhode Island with a special certificate of appreciation in recognition of the wonderful work she's done for wolves and other wild species. Although the hoopla may have been a bit embarrassing for dear Alyssa, I believe that all our guests returned home that day feeling inspired.

Other children who attended the program later approached Maggie Howell to share their own accomplishments within their communities. One young lady tends to horses in a nearby barn after school and on weekends volunteers at a local animal shelter. A little boy no older than six wants to save sharks when he grows up. Alyssa's three-year-old sister, Jill, likes wolves a lot (Alyssa taught her how to howl like a pro), but cows are her favorite! Perhaps Jill will be the one to successfully demonstrate to all that wildlife and livestock can coexist!

Before it was time for the wolves to take their midday nap, the NWC's newest Junior Adviser sat by Ambassador pups Alawa and Zephyr to share her feelings about wolves on film. Alyssa did a great job writing and delivering her address and the WCC's Ambassador pups performed like pros. Perhaps Atka's charisma is rubbing off on the little tykes.

Alyssa Grayson: Take Action to Help Wolves! from Dave Hornoff on Vimeo.

PUPDATE: WCC Ambasador Wolf Pups Alawa and Zephyr Are 5 Months Old!

2011-09-20T16:21:00.001-04:00

The Wolf Conservation Center's youngest Ambassador wolves are looking less like pups everyday! Although they have lost some of their physical puppy traits, their behavior still reflects that they have a lot of growing up to do. The wonderful "wolflets" are constantly frisky, their wrestling matches are endless! The pair have the most endearing howls, their maturing voices crack in and out of tune whenever prompted by the WCC's visitors and/or other 24 wolves. Have a great day kiddos :)

Atka Mingles With Some Other Rock-Stars

2011-09-19T08:50:00.000-04:00

Atka and crew had a blast at last night's Howling Wolf Family Folk Festival - the music was outstanding! Big thanks to all our friends for putting the event together. Atka sends a "howl out" to Denise Mackin, Common Ground's Carter Smith, Matt Turk and the Hobo Caravan, Hope Machine, Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams, our dedicated volunteers, and all the great folks who came out last night to enjoy the concert. Another late night for Atka means it's time to have a day of rest. Sweet dreams Atka!

Volunteers Creating Solutions to Safegaurd Wild Lobos

2011-09-18T11:40:00.000-04:00

The Mexican Gray Wolf from Mike Foster on Vimeo.

Mike Foster visits the White Mountains of Arizona to observe volunteer efforts to manage the reintroduction of the Mexican Gray Wolf. The video summarizes the recent history of the wolf, its relationship to the human population, and the practice of non-lethal methods to deter conflict between wildlife and livestock. Included are interviews with some dedicated volunteers in the filed working hard to safeguard the future of this critical endangered species. Great work everybody!

Time to Jam!

2011-09-17T13:52:00.001-04:00

Atka's warming up for Sunday's Howling Wolf Family Folk Festival - A Fundraiser Concert for the Wolf Conservation Center!

7PM - 9:30PM

Irvington Town Hall Theater

Irvington, New York

Atka will be there and we hope you can join too! Please click here to visit the Common Ground and to buy your ticket today!

Cooler Temperatures Make for Happy Wolves

2011-09-16T12:26:00.000-04:00

Brrr... It really feels like summer has come to an end today. While the cool temperatures have caught some of us off guard without appropriate attire, the weather feels fabulous to the 25 wolves that call the Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) home. Their coats ar growing thicker and thicker as each day passes!

A wolf's coat consists of two elements: the long guard hairs that form the visible outer layer of of the coat and the soft dense undercoat. The coarse guard hairs determine a wolf's appearance/color and works like a raincoat, protecting a wolf from rain, snow, and sleet. The undercoat is usually gray in color and keeps the animal comfortable in cold temperatures. A wolf's insulating undercoat begins to fall out like sheets of soft wool in the spring and a fresh under-layer thickens during the fall. The shedding cycle is driven by hormone levels that rise in the spring with the onset of longer days and decrease as day lengths shorten in the fall. Thanks to the photoperiodic rhythm of his body chemistry, Atka is already prepared for this cold snap and likely looking forward to even colder temperatures on the horizon. Enjoy the day Atka!

Zephyr Reflects

2011-09-15T13:54:00.001-04:00

"I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority." ~ E.B.White

Zephyr by Christian Giliberto

Alyssa Grayson Is One To Watch!

2011-09-14T13:47:00.000-04:00

A New Voice for Wolves..Meet Alyssa Grayson from Dave Hornoff on Vimeo.

Last week the Wolf Conservation Center posted some encouraging stories about young conservationists with compelling missions. Among the young dynamos we put in the spotlight is ten-year-old Alyssa Grayson from Rhode Island. Alyssa has lead a number of public education programs about wolves and coyotes and started a wolf club newsletter all on her own. The seasoned educator even has hopes of working at a place like the Wolf Conservation Center one day! Alyssa exemplifies the amazing potential of her generation to make this world a better place and people are continuing to notice. The great folks from National WolfWatcher Coalition learned about Alyssa from our story and have since invited her to be the NWC's new young voice for wolves! Alyssa has a bright future in front of her, and I cannot wait to see her again this weekend (yay!) and to follow her future endeavors. Way to go Alyssa!

Wolves Schedued to be Released into Mexico this Month!

2011-09-13T14:04:00.004-04:00

Mexican gray wolf M805

The last wild-roaming endangered Mexican gray wolves call a vast stretch of forest in southeast Arizona and southwest New Mexico home, but soon they could have some company south of the border!

Yesterday, Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) announced that Mexican authorities plan to release a five-member pack of wolves south of the New Mexico-Arizona border in the Mexican state of Sonora sometime this month.

This move represents a significant step in the effort to grow the wild Mexican wolf population, Mexico hasn’t been home to the critically endangered Mexican gray wolf in decades.

Groups Still Fighting to Stop Wolf Hunts in the Rockies

2011-09-10T12:40:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, The Alliance for the Wild Rockies, Friends of the Clearwater, and WildEarth Guardians filed their briefs in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to fight for the future of northern Rocky Mountain wolves. The wildlife advocacy organizations are challenging the "anti-wolf rider" attached to the budget bill on grounds that it is unconstitutional. The rider removed federal protections from wolves of Idaho and Montana, eastern Washington, eastern Oregon and northern Utah and controversial wolf hunts have already begun in Idaho and Montana. As of yesterday, 11 wolves have been killed in the two states.

If your hackles are raised, please visit the websites of the organizations fighting on behalf wolves and show your support.

Kisses from the Kids!

2011-09-09T11:48:00.001-04:00

Young Conservationists Creating A Brighter Future: Celebrating Earth Through Art

2011-09-08T12:30:00.002-04:00

One of the winning pieces of artwork in the WCC's Art Contest for Kids - 14-yr-old Ciani's "Wolf in Oil Pastel"

Today we continue to focus on the the future and the young environmentalists that are tackling adult issues with great energy and imagination. Thankfully, there are many organizations that offer outlets for our children to creatively express themselves and their visions of the future. WCC staff and volunteers were blown away by the hundreds of children from around the world who sent us beautiful drawings, paintings and sculptures for the WCC's Art Contest for Kids. It was impossible to avoid feeling inspired!

One Minute to save the World is an organization that offers kids another platform to help express their feelings regarding the natural world. This organization invites budding filmmakers, directors and animators to create one minute films about climate change. The competition is global and aims to give people a voice to help ensure a brighter future for our planet. Cecily is a young WCC supporter and she entered the "One Minute to save the World" film competition with her compelling video: "Pop!!!" It's wonderful that programs such this one gives kids the power to express themselves. If you feel inspired to make your own short film about wolves, wildlife, or the environment, please go for it and send it our way! You can email Maggie at maggie@nywolf.org.

Young Conservationists Creating A Brighter Future: Spotlight on Alyssa Grayson

2011-09-07T11:50:00.002-04:00

Alyssa Grayson, photo: The Providence Journal / Kris Craig

Our celebration of young conservationists continues today with a spotlight on a very special ten year old from Rhode Island (RI) whose passion is impressing those in her community and beyond. The WCC first crossed paths with Alyssa Grayson back in February of 2008 when Atka and crew presented at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum Research Center. During our visit, a young girl approached WCC's Maggie Howell to ask if she would like to receive RI Wolf Club Newsletter.

Sporting her button

Of course Maggie was thrilled to be included on the mailing list and thanked the young lady by giving her a Defender's of Wildlife button from her jacket that read "Support the PAW Act." A few months later, the first newsletter was delivered to the WCC office and it was a beautiful reflection of the Alyssa's passion and wolf knowledge!


tracking coyotes

Although we've only seen Alyssa in person a few times, it has been a thrill to watch Alyssa grow into a conservation dynamo from afar! Last spring Alyssa presented a number of public education programs about wolves and coyotes at RI's Roger Williams Park Zoo, learned how to track local coyotes as youngest citizen scientist working on the national wildlife refuges in RI, and received a Certificate of Appreciation from the RI Department of Environmental Management. Alyssa is following her passion to protect our Nation's wildlife and her efforts are not going unnoticed, the Providence Journal wrote an article all about her last May!
Alyssa is an enormous inspiration, her achievements are awesome and worth remembering during times when the future of US wildlife appears bleak at best. This year Alyssa will be in the fifth grade and I'm proud to say that my hero is a middle school-er :)

Young Conservationists Creating A Brighter Future: Woodmere Middle School

2011-09-06T13:10:00.003-04:00

Wolves, their recovery, and the status of this keystone predator in the United States continue to be hot topics in in our country. With the wolf hunt season upon us, many wildlife advocates are left exhausted, angry, and discouraged. While some have lost hope, others are rolling up their sleeves ready to take on the environmental challenges of the future and they're not even old enough to vote!

Over the next several days, we'll be celebrating some young wildlife conservationists that are making a difference within their communities and beyond. It's time to look to the future.

We first introduced our supporters to the dedicated team of 6th graders from Long Island's Woodmere Middle School last year. These young conservationists are tackling a number of environmental projects as a part of their “Campaign Earth” mission - a curriculum aimed to equip the students with the tools necessary to safeguard the future of our nation's wildlife. In December of 2010, these students created a very compelling video - what a perfect gift for the holidays!

The video reached people from around the world, inspiring young and old to embrace the importance of wildlife and the passion of these special youngsters. We can't wait to see what these students do as 7th graders!!!