Wildlife Wire

Legislative pitfalls and compromises on wildlife bills

This episode breaks down how wildlife legislation actually moves through the political process. Bills begin with a core concept, but are quickly reshaped by stakeholder input, requiring tradeoffs between policy goals and what is operationally and politically feasible.
Wildlife policy outcomes depend less on intent alone and more on navigating legislative structure, stakeholder pressure, and strategic compromise.

Colorado Wildlife Management: The Whole Story

Mark and Sam get real on how wildlife "management" decisions are made, discuss science-based management and what it means for Colorado residents and wildlife.

Wrapping up 2025 with the news

Join Sam and Mark as they wrap up their first full year hosting the Wildlife Wire! Thank you to all who have listened throughout the year. We look forward to sharing our thoughts and guests with you.
On this episode we have:
Rogan blasts liberal policies for enabling mountain lions to eat pets | Fox News
 
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife accepting Christmas trees to create fish habitat
 
Report: Urgent Colorado ‘Furbearer’ Reforms Needed to Protect Wildlife - Center for Biological Diversity
See stunning photos from National Wildlife Photo Contest 2025
Bill could fund wildlife crossings in Montana, beyond | News | bozemandailychronicle.com

The news! Marshland mashup and more

On today's episode Samantha and Mark discuss the interesting wildlife news, including:
8 Everyday Habits You Can Change That Actually Make a Difference for Wildlife
Marshland mashup: Red wolf-coyote hybrids adapt to coastal Louisiana • Louisiana Illuminator
Raccoons are evolving to be as cute and cuddly as pets — and they want inside your homes
Enviros confirm new jaguar 'Cinco' spotted in Southern Az

We're back with the news!

Join Sam and Mark as they dive into top wildlife news stories from across the country.
The State of Colorado's Wildlife Crossings
Future of Dauphin Island foxes remains undecided
Humanity rises as wildlife recedes: Two studies show the extent of human domination over nature
California passes law to phase out gillnet fishing in state waters to protect underwater wildlife
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Spooky wildlife myths and wild but true stories

Ryan Sedgeley from the Endangered Species Coalition joins Mark and Sam for this special Halloween episode. They discuss myths about wolves, coyotes, and prairie dogs, as well as zombie deer and frogs coming back from the dead.

Dr. Dan Parkinson talks bighorns

On today's episode, Dan Parkinson discusses the history of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, the challenges they face, and the ways we can protect them. 
Participate in citizen science with iNaturalist
Learn where some of that data goes and about all things bighorn through the Mountain Studies Institute.

Furbearer Sam joins the pod today

Sam plays the role of guest and talks about all things furbearer. What are furbearers? Species of animals grouped together for no other reason than people like to kill them for their fur. 

Mark talks rodenticides

Today Sam interviews Mark about rodenticides, or rat poisons, and why they are bad news for people, pets, and wildlife.
Find information on rodenticides from Project Coyote here.

Colorado First Gentleman, Marlon Reis

Today we are joined by one of our personal heroes, the First Gentleman of Colorado, Marlon Reis. 
 
Marlon has brilliantly leveraged his role in Colorado to advocate for animals of all kinds, from puppies in pet stores to wolves in the wild, Marlon has consistently pushed for humane treatment of all species.