Canines, Carnivores, & Conservation
CANINES. They are humankind’s oldest friends. They enrich our lives in so many ways. Understanding them provides insight into how to care for their emotional and physical health as well as linking us profoundly to their ancestry — the wolf. Join our team in a study of Canines, their history, behaviors, and even tips to give them the best life possible. That’s simply what a best friend does.
CARNIVORES. Carnivores are often mythified in a variety of ways, mostly as dangerous creatures of lore and legend. Wolves, bears, large cats, and other carnivores play essential roles in the self-management of healthy ecosystems and wildernesses. Join our team as we delve into what makes these animals unique and a great partner to humankind as we work to manage our wild places.
CONSERVATION. Learning about carnivores can be fascinating, however, without the stewardship by humans, the landscape could be profoundly and dangerously altered. Join our team as we discuss the very recent brief history of conservation of apex predators, the factors that led to threats to their survival, and steps taken to protect their future.
Latest Posts
Watch: Behind the Scenes Filming Wildlife in Africa
Want to catch a sight of some African wildlife up close? Check out Alan Lacy’s latest video – it’s up in his classroom! In his video, Alan captures some incredible wildlife and gives insight into the routine of working on his latest film project. You’ll get to see...
Non-Native Species Aren’t Always A Problem
We’ve spoken before about how much trouble invasive species can cause to ecosystems. However, not all invasive species cause problems. Some non-native species prove beneficial to the new environments they’re introduced to. A big one? Honeybees!1 Honeybees play an...
What North American Animals Hibernate?
As summer reaches its end and fall is on its way, many animals will start to get ready to hibernate. Animals of all kinds hibernate or enter into a similar state in order to survive the extreme temperatures that winter brings.1 During hibernation, the animal’s body...
Misunderstood Mesos: Pacific Marten
Pacific marten is one of the latest mammals on Earth to have achieved their distinct species declaration. They are so misunderstood that they were believed to be extinct until a recent discovery of a surviving population in 1996. Long thought to be a subspecies of...
Biodiversity Is Integral to Ecosystem Health
Biodiversity is an integral part of maintaining ecosystem health. Without a variety of species, environments aren’t as resilient and they’re more likely to suffer. Maintaining and boosting biodiversity is a great way to strengthen our environment and its ecosystems....
Misunderstood Mesos: Cownose Ray
Throughout the Misunderstood Mesos series, we have examined numerous land-based mesocarnivores from around the world, however, the small predator niche is a vital component of marine ecosystems as well. By keeping population control over the primary consumers while...
What’s the Difference Between Antlers and Horns?
We have many animals in North America that have antlers. How are these different from horns and what purpose do they serve? Antlers are found on animals that are part of the Cervidae family. This includes animals like deer, moose, and elk.1&2 Meanwhile, horns are...
Are North American Wolves Endangered?
Are North American wolves endangered? Yes, they are. While gray wolves were delisted in 2020, they were reinstated in February 2022. A court vacated the delisting and put back protections on most gray wolves within the lower 48 states. So gray wolves that are not part...
Dogs Help With Habitat Conservation
How do dogs assist with habitat conservation and restoration? The largest threat to wildlife habitats worldwide is the fragmentation of vast landscapes caused by human expansion. As these natural areas become disturbed by human development, noxious weeds can invade...
What Wild Cats Live In North America?
North America is home to six species of wild cat. However, only one of the six is labeled a big cat, and only three have large populations.1 These six species are:1 Bobcat Puma Lynx Ocelot Jaguar Jaguarundi Get a look at them down below! 1. Bobcat These are the most...
Olive Ridley Sea Turtles Are At Risk From Climate Change
One of the smallest sea turtles is the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle. They are only about 2-2.5 feet long and weigh up to 100 pounds. Their name comes from the color of their shells, which are heart-shaped. You can find them in the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans,...
Misunderstood Mesos: North American River Otter
Before the European settlement of North America, river otters inhabited every waterway on the continent. The traditional abundance of this mesopredator and the subsequent drastic reduction in population caused by humans makes them an iconic North American species. ...
Red Foxes Are Very Resourceful
Red foxes have a reputation for being resourceful. It’s what has allowed them to thrive in all sorts of environments, even when humans have taken over. They are canids, mammals, and omnivores.1 They weigh anywhere between 6 and 15 pounds and are 22-32 inches long, not...
New Technology Helps Reduce Bycatch
We’ve spoken before about aquatic species that are often affected by fishing activities because they’re caught up in nets when they’re not the species fishermen want to catch. Many animals, like turtles or sharks, get tangled up in nets and are injured or killed. This...
Misunderstood Mesos: Atlantic Ghost Crab
A quick reminder before we jump into the Atlantic Ghost Crab – don’t forget that you can buy Misunderstood Mesos T-shirts! When you purchase one of these shirts, you’re directly supporting our ability to carry out educational outreaches across the region. This...
Spotted Seals Are Found In North Pacific Waters
Spotted Seals are found in North Pacific waters, including the Bering, Okhotsk, Beaufort, and Chukchi seas. They can also be found in the northern areas of the Yellow Sea. These seals are gray with dark spots all over and they have round heads and short flippers. They...
Orangutans Are Critically Endangered
Orangutans are a species of great ape that has red fur and while they used to be found throughout southeast Asia, they’re now only found in Sumatra and Borneo – in fragmented populations.1&2 We actually share over 96% of our genes with them!1 There are three...
Misunderstood Mesos: Tayra
The Mustelidae, or weasel, Family is responsible for most of the North American mesocarnivores, however, some representatives of this diverse group also inhabit the same ecological niche further South. One of the weasel-like species occupying the forests and savannas...
Helping You Make The Argument to Save Wolves
We don't need to tell you. Wolves are a vital part of healthy ecosystems. As top predators, they help to keep prey populations in check, which can prevent overgrazing and the spread of disease. In addition, their presence can discourage the growth of invasive species....
Giant Sea Bass Can Weigh 700 Pounds
Giant Sea Bass are a critically endangered species that play an important role in their ecosystem. They are apex predators, and so they have influence over the rest of the food chain and provide balance.1 These fish are found off the coast of California in areas that...
Dogs Help With Marsh Conservation
Both freshwater and saltwater marshes have long been known for their ecological importance and their frailty. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, marshes only cover about 5% of the country’s landmass, yet they support 31% of our plant species. These...
Animals Have 4 Ways To Communicate
Animals need to communicate with each other to establish and defend territories, work together, attract a mate, and more. There are four ways that animals can communicate with each other. They are:1 Visual Auditory Tactile Chemical The methods used will vary depending...
It’s the Dog Days of Summer — You Are Needed Today.
Are you familiar with the dog days of summer? It's ironic that an organization dedicated to canines and wolves would be experiencing them but we are! And we need your help today. A generous supporter has offered a $5,000 matching donation. The catch is that I have to...
Paws Can Help Dogs Regulate Their Temperature
A dog or cat’s paws are very important. Not just for running around and playing, but they help them protect themselves from the surfaces they’re on, balance, and navigate the world around them. Paws in dogs and cats may be more or less rough depending on their...
THE SECRET IMPACT OF WOLVES THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
By The Wolf Education and Research Center
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW AS YOU START YOUR BIOLOGY CAREER
By Biologist Jeremy Heft of the Wolf Education and Research Center
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