Wolf and Cat

Would they? Could they? Do they?

2012-02-04T13:35:00.000-08:00

Photo by Scotti Cohn

There's been a bit of a stir among wolf enthusiasts about the portrayal of our "darlings" in the movie The Gray, starring Liam Neeson.

To find out whether the movie does wolves a terrible disservice or presents them as they really are, Marc Silver interviewed Daniel MacNulty, a wildlife-ecology professor at Utah State University whose research on Arctic wolves is funded in part by the National Geographic Society.

The article makes for fascinating reading:

Would Real Wolves Act Like the Wolves in The Gray?

"Mr. Mom"?

2012-01-23T11:11:00.000-08:00

Male tigers double as mothers for their cubs

Photo by Scotti Cohn

"Pictures taken at the Ranthambore National Park on Saturday evening by wildlife conservator and photographer Balendu Singh show that the male tigers do double up as mothers for their cubs." ~ Bhanu Pratap Singh, The Times of India

Wolf OR7 Enters California

2012-01-03T06:14:00.000-08:00

photo by Scotti Cohn

“Whether one is for it or against it, the entry of this lone wolf into California is an historic event and result of much work by the wildlife agencies in the West,” said DFG Director Charlton H. Bonham. “If the gray wolf does establish a population in California, there will be much more work to do here.”

Read more at the Department of Fish and Game NEWS.

The Last Lions

2011-12-07T09:20:00.001-08:00

Jouberts share vulnerability of species during ‘Big Cat Week’

“One of the alarming things for us, which was the sort of genesis of this film and this ‘Big Cat Week,’ actually, is that we discovered that in our lifetimes, lion numbers have dropped from 450,000 down to 20,000, and the leopard numbers are from 700,000 down to 50,000,” said Dereck Joubert.

The two-hour premiere of “The Last Lions” airs Dec. 16.

BIG CAT WEEK Episode Guide

2011-11-10T09:06:00.000-08:00

From Panthera's November 2011 Newsletter

New Results of Island-Wide Survey Give Hope to the Sumatran Tiger

Links to images of Sumatran Tigers:

http://www.zooatlanta.org/home/animals/mammals/sumatran_tiger

http://www.tigersincrisis.com/sumatran_tiger.htm

http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/finder/sumatrantiger/sumatrantiger.html

Will El Lobo Survive?

2011-11-08T09:26:00.000-08:00

For an update on the Mexican wolf recovery effort, read this excellent article by Jess Edberg, Information Services Director -- International Wolf Center:

Mexico’s work on recovering wolves

My, What a Loud Voice You Have!

2011-11-04T09:18:00.001-07:00

Vocal chord shape creates big cats' roars


photo by Scotti Cohn

"It had previously been thought lions roar deeply because the vocal folds are heavy with fat, but the new study suggests the fat gives the vocal folds their square shape as opposed to the more traditional triangular vocal folds found in most species, and may cushion the vocal folds and provide repair material when they are damaged."

"From the Cave to the Kennel"

2011-11-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

". . .what the evolutionary history of the dog tells us about another animal: ourselves. From a cave in France, a new picture has emerged of canines as our prehistoric soulmates."

A fascinating article by Mark Derr, author of How the Dog Became the Dog: From Wolves to Our Best Friends.

Photo by Scotti Cohn

"The standard explanation was that once the dump-diver became a dog, humans took charge of its evolution through selective breeding, choosing those with desired traits and culling those who came up short. This account is now falling apart in the face of new genetic analyses and recently discovered fossils." - Mark Derr

Photo by Scotti Cohn

Read the full article HERE.

Which Genus is a Genius?

2011-10-12T10:35:00.000-07:00

Whoever coined the expression "cats rule, dogs drool" may have to reconsider that position.

As posted on one of my favorite web sites, Coyotes,Wolves,Cougars..forever!

photo by Monty Sloan

"Oxford University Study concludes that animals who live in social groups need to think more than solitary animals do and as a result have bigger brains......So as a Genus, members of the dog family (wolves, coyotes, foxes, jackels, etc.) have larger brains than those of the cat family (cougars, bobcats, lynx, jaguars, leopards, cheetahs--lions being the exception as they do live in groups) ..."

photo by Scotti Cohn

I doubt this will cause my feline friends to lose those smug expressions they always wear, but perhaps this research will allow canids to hold their heads a little higher.

To read the complete article, click on this link:
http://coyotes-wolves-cougars.blogspot.com/2011/10/oxford-university-study-concludes-that.html

Encouraging News from Florida

2011-10-03T10:04:00.000-07:00

In Florida, Ranchers Make Room for The Big Cats Who Want To Eat Their Cattle

BY MICHAEL J. COREN

Photo by Scotti Cohn

"Florida cattle ranchers understand that a balance needs to be reached between protecting endangered panthers and addressing the financial impacts of losing calves to panther predation," said Russell Priddy, owner of the 9,000-acre JB Ranch near the Big Cypress National Preserve.

Big Cats in Britain

2011-09-23T09:16:00.000-07:00

I feel a Warren Zevon song coming on... Only instead of "Werewolves in London" it's called "Big Cats in Britain." MRRROWWWW!

I see these stories all the time coming out of Great Britain. Sometimes the stories have a sort of "Loch Ness Monster" quality to them, but they are so common that I have trouble believing it's all a myth. It does remind me somewhat of people in various parts of the U.S. who are *positive* they saw a wolf near their home, even though people who keep track of such things say it was no doubt a coyote or dog. Here is a story from Wakefield about a BIG CAT:

‘Big cat’ out on the prowl in Wakefield

Big Cats vs Laser Pointers

2011-09-10T11:22:00.000-07:00

This video (linked below) is making the rounds, and I couldn't resist sharing it here. I'm a big admirer of the folks at Big Cat Rescue and I hope to visit there someday soon. Meanwhile, enjoy these video clips!

Big Cats vs Laser Pointers

Check it out at the

Big Cat Rescue Channel

where you can see other cool videos.

Wolf and Bear!

2011-08-06T11:01:00.000-07:00

Photo by Scotti Cohn, taken at No. American Bear Ctr.

Check out these great photos of a bear and wolf interacting:

What Do Bears And Wolves In Yellowstone National Park Do When No One's Watching?

Man-Eating Lions Attack by the Dark of the Moon

2011-07-21T10:10:00.000-07:00

"If you want to avoid becoming a lion's dinner, keep an eye on the moon. A new study reveals that the big cats are most likely to attack people during the 10 days following the full moon. That's when it's darkest during the hours that humans are out and about at night—and when lions are at their hungriest".

from an intriguing article by Rebecca Kessler about man-eating lions:

Man-Eating Lions Attack by the Dark of the Moon

Great News about Amur Leopards from WWF

2011-07-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

This new footage of Amur leopards provides important and revealing insights into the lives of these unique animals.

Interview with Robyn Hood Black

2011-07-11T07:33:00.000-07:00

Today I am pleased to introduce you to Robyn Hood Black, author of WOLVES (illustrated by Colin Howard, Intervisual Books, Animal Vault Series, Ages 8 and up).

Robyn Hood Black

I "met" Robyn not long after my book One Wolf Howls was published by Sylvan Dell Publishing. We were brought together by Robyn's friend Gail Karwoski, another Sylvan Dell author, who noticed that Robyn and I shared an interest in wolves.

You can find out more about Robyn from her website at www.robynhoodblack.com.

-------------------------------

Hello Robyn, and welcome to Wolf and Cat!

Thanks for having me!

I'm going to start by having you share a little bit about yourself. What basic information would you like readers to know about Robyn Hood Black?

Basic – hmm. I love to read, love to write, love to draw – and I’ve been crazy about animals since I was a baby pup myself. I enjoy writing fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for children. I’m very active in SCBWI (the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and am the new assistant editor for an online haiku journal, Berry Blue Haiku. I also enjoy presenting to all age groups – school visits, book festivals, etc. My husband and I share life with a daughter in college and a son in high school. We’re all vegetarian – my husband’s a vegan, in fact.

It's obvious that you love animals. Do you have pets? Can you tell us a little about them?

The only time in my life I was ever without a pet was when I was in college. My husband and I married right after college graduation. When he was in grad school (seminary, then med school later), I nudged a move out of our nice little student housing duplex into a virtual shack after the first year, just so we could get a puppy – a Norwegian elkhound. We soon had a cat, too, of course. We just celebrated our 27th anniversary, and our current animal companion list includes a hound-shepherd mix, two dachshund mixes, and two cats – we’ve had all but one of them 10 years or more. We’ve lost two older kitties in the past year.

How did you become interested in wolves?

I don’t remember ever not being fascinated with wolves. During school visits, I enjoy showing kids my yellowed, tattered copies of the classics Kavik the Wolf Dog (Walt Morey) and Call of the Wild (Jack London) that I read at their age. We always had dogs growing up – usually shepherd or husky types – I’ve always loved wolfy-looking dogs!

photo by Alison Womack

You volunteer at the Chestatee Wildlife Preserve in Dahlonega, Georgia. When did you start volunteering there? What has that experience been like for you?

It’s been a real blessing. I’ve been volunteering there over three years now. It’s a small, nonprofit zoo on about 20 acres, founded by C. W. Wathen almost 20 years ago. Much of his experience, by the way, is with big cats, and there are several at the preserve. Many of the animals there are rescues, given up by private owners or coming from other situations – sometimes the preserve is their last hope.

Some of the resident animals were born there, such as Luna, a three-year-old wolf I’ve worked with since she was a pup. The other wolf currently at the preserve came a year ago when he was three months old. His name is Rio, and he’s now as big as Luna.

I especially enjoy talking to kids about wolves, at the preserve or in schools – many young wolf enthusiasts keep me on my toes with their questions! I appreciate getting to share wolf education with people of all ages. And I’m always learning more myself.

How did you come to write the book WOLVES? What was the easiest aspect of writing it? What was the most difficult aspect?

At one of our SCBWI Southern Breeze conferences, I met an editor whom I’d previously “met” online, Peggy Shaw. At that time, she was a senior editor with Dalmatian Press/Intervisual Books and was looking for writers for an animal vault series. I waited patiently to talk with her, after hearing she needed a book on wolves, and handed her my business card with the words “loves wolves” written on it. We talked, and she kindly invited me to interview with the publisher, and they hired me! My good friend/critique group buddy Donna H. Bowman had just been hired to write the BIG CATS book in the series.

The easiest aspect of writing the book was immersing myself in wolf information for weeks, and it was great fun coming up with ways to organize facts into the spreads. I had to write fast, so I called upon my inner newspaper writer from a few years back to churn out lots of words in a short period of time. It was a little challenging coming up with ideas for the interactive elements – I consulted lots of pop-up books. And now the most difficult aspect is that the series is sadly out of print. Some used copies are available online, and I have a few stashed away for school visits. [Fun fact: In 2010, Donna’s and my books were printed in Portuguese in Brazil!]

photo by Betty King

You do a lot of school visits. What is the most unusual, most interesting, most unexpected, or funniest question a child has asked you about wolves?

Last year I was in a cafeteria with several hundred K-2nd graders piled in on the floor. I left a few minutes at the end of my presentation for questions, and the hand of a beautiful little blond-haired girl shot up – maybe five years old or so. “How can you tell if it’s a man wolf or a lady wolf?” she asked. I quickly noted the concerned look on the faces of a couple of teachers, and responded something to the effect of, “Well, just like with people – they are different.” I moved on to the next question, and I think I heard the media specialist exhale.

Please tell us three things you would like everyone to know about wolves.
1.) Wolves are incredibly intelligent, resourceful, social animals.
2.) Even wolves in captivity are still wild animals and should be respected as such.
3.) Wolves and so many other animals are dependent upon having wild places in which to live, and it’s our responsibility to protect their habitats even as human populations grow. 3 and a half): Wolf management is a very controversial issue, but the fate of wolves and other species depends upon “opposing sides” being able to work together.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

Just a hearty thanks to you for allowing me to visit, and for your continued commitment to wolves, cats, and other animals!

Big-cat activist gives own theory on mountain lions

2011-06-20T09:12:00.000-07:00

"What I believe is there is a small population or small number of wild mountain lions out there, mountain lions that clearly in the past have been held in captivity, who are maintaining themselves and breeding."
~ Alan Rabinowitz, Chief Executive, Panthera

Complete article:

Big-cat activist gives own theory on mountain lions

There's a panther in the house!

2011-06-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

I really enjoyed this column by Jill Pertler -- particularly since I also have a "black panther" in my house.

There's a panther in the house

My "black panther" : Karma

Asiatic Golden Cat

2011-06-01T06:56:00.000-07:00

I highly recommend the International Society for Endangered Cats (ISEC) Canada for information on wild cats and their status.

Here is a fascinating article about the Asiatic Golden Cat (Pardofelis temmincki): http://www.wildcatconservation.org/Asian-Golden-Cat.html

Shall we let the mountain lions "play through"?

2011-03-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

Mountain lions sighted on Scottsdale golf course

Florida Panthers Caught on Camera

2011-03-19T09:25:00.000-07:00

photo by Heather Green

An article at TampaBay.com tells about a Florida woman who managed to get some once-in-a-lifetime shots of
a Florida panther mother and two cubs in the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve.

Go to the link posted above to take a look at these wonderful photos!

Hunting Lions: Unpalatable but Necessary for Conservation?

2011-03-10T08:54:00.000-08:00

In an article printed in The Huffington Post (link below), Dr. Luke Hunter, Executive Vice President of Panthera, explains and defends his view that "whatever one's personal feeling, hunting should be regarded as yet another tool in the arsenal of options we must consider if we are to conserve the lion."

Take a look at the article, and see what you think. I confess that I'm hopelessly conflicted about the issue.

Hunting Lions:

Unpalatable but Necessary for Conservation?

Fear as an ecosystem engineer

2011-02-07T10:41:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to a fascinating article by Cristina Eisenberg, conservation biologist at Oregon State University.

Fear as an ecosystem engineer

Eisenberg writes about "whether the vigilance of ungulates—such as elk, deer and other hooved animals— varies based on wolf population dynamics or other environmental factors that can influence predation risk."

Artist of the Week: Angela Cater

2011-02-05T09:58:00.000-08:00

I'm going to take an opportunity from time to time to showcase artists who either specialize in wolf or cat art, or who are just cool artists who happen to make wolves or cats, among other things.

Today I want to direct your attention to artist Angela Cater of Manchester, England. Angela has created the most wonderful felines, and her Portrait of a Tigress recently won FanArtReview's "Art in Nature" competition.

Please visit Angela's site and admire her beautiful art! If you find that you just have to have some of it for yourself, I'm sure she will be happy to help you!

Snow Leopard KITTENS!

2011-01-29T09:18:00.000-08:00

Snow Leopard KITTENS!

2011-01-29T09:16:00.000-08:00

The Bronx Zoo Tiger Cubs' First Blizzard

2011-01-29T09:15:00.000-08:00

Really, Nikon?

2011-01-26T10:40:00.000-08:00

Nikon Cameras sponsors Coyote kill weeks in Upstate NY providing prizes for those culling the most songdogs....................

This is distressing to me on many levels. For one thing, my understanding is that predator killing does not limit coyote populations in the long term and can actually grow those populations. And what (or who) are we "saving the deer" for in this case? So that hunters can kill them for sport? Nice. Whatever.

Sunda Clouded Leopard

2011-01-26T08:29:00.000-08:00

I just came across a fascinating article by Charles Q. Choi in the Christian Science Monitor:

That new species of big cat? Turns out it's actually two new species

"... the newest species of big cat known to science, the mysterious Sunda clouded leopard, actually comes in two different types. . . .These big cats apparently owe their origins to cataclysmic super-volcano eruptions and rising sea levels, researchers found."

BIG CAT, LITTLE KITTY: The Movie!

2011-01-24T11:33:00.000-08:00

The publication date for Big Cat, Little Kitty is fast approaching! Here's a video trailer I made to (hopefully) stimulate interest in the book and entertain viewers at the same time.

The video gives you a peek at pretty much every aspect of the book: narrative text, illustrations, and educational material. The book is available for pre-order from Amazon.com: Big Cat, Little Kitty.

I know my cats will be excited when the advance copies arrive. Watch this space for pictures!

Another Great Web Site/Organization

2011-01-19T10:39:00.000-08:00

Photo by Scotti Cohn

After reading an article about Barbara Meyer's photography of big cats HERE, I visited the Big Cat Photography web site. You should too! It's amazing.

(I took the shot on the left. The pics on the Big Cat Photography site are much better!)

Big Cat Photos by Rose Hill

2011-01-07T20:09:00.000-08:00

Check out these gorgeous photos taken by photographer Rose Hill during a visit to Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, Florida.

Tigers-Lions-Panthers - Big Cat Sanctuary in Florida - Photo Tour

Big Bad Wolf loves Cheetahs!

2011-01-06T09:50:00.000-08:00

How could I resist? I came across a blogger who calls himself One Big Bad WOLF, and his blog post today is about CHEETAHS! How perfect is that?

As far as I know, the blogger (who also goes by the name Brady Darnell) is not related to B.B. Wolf, the alpha male of my own personal wolf pack. . .

Here's a link to:

Wildlife Wednesday: The Fast and the Furious

Serval Sounds: OM NOM NOM!

2010-12-31T09:41:00.000-08:00

I love this video of a serval eating his dinner -- om nom nom! Also, please read the misinformation about the serval, given to the people who bought him. Servals are not tame cats. Why not adopt a shelter cat with a pretty coat pattern instead?!?!

Om Nom Nom - Serval :)

Prehistoric Cats!

2010-12-02T09:01:00.000-08:00

Click the link below for fascinating information about prehistoric BIG CATS!

10 Huge Prehistoric Cats

Walking with Cheetahs

2010-11-12T08:27:00.000-08:00

From MailOnline:

Walking with cheetahs... the big cats of the Kalahari who are man's best friend

"No one knows how long the cheetahs or the San people can exist in this wild landscape. But for now, they live in extraordinary harmony." -- Jonathan Scott

Lessons From Wolves by Jami Wright

2010-10-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

I just have to share a link to Jami Wright's thorough and intriguing article on the history of men and wolves, as posted at Coyotes, Wolves, Cougars.... Forever! Wright is a graduate student completing her thesis for a master's degree in Cultural Anthropology at Western Washington University.

Lessons From Wolves by Jami Wright

A Link to the Lynx

2010-10-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

Interesting article about lynx posted at Coyotes, Wolves, Cougars...Forever!

Lynx don't care about the line between Ontario and Minnesota, and researchers on both sides are starting to pay attention.

Living Walls Save Lions

2010-10-25T09:14:00.000-07:00

This sounds like a great idea. I hope it works as intended.

Living Walls Save Lions by Saving Livestock

Combating Global Warming with Wolves

2010-10-19T10:22:00.000-07:00

Check out Christina Eisenberg's excellent essay on wolves and global warming, posted at Coyotes, Wolves, Cougars...Forever!

Romeo the Wolf

2010-10-13T11:54:00.000-07:00

A wonderful article about a wolf named Romeo ...

The Town Friend Few Really Knew

Two Big Lions

2010-10-05T11:18:00.000-07:00

A link to some fantastic photos of lions in the wild:

Two Big Lions

"Two big Lions found last night. . . We have seen these Lions last month at night moving quickly into heavy bush but did not get good images. . . Last evening they were relaxed and in no hurry." ~ Predator Aware

BORN TO BE WILD: New Multimedia Program Inspires Teachers and Students to Stand Up for Tigers

2010-10-05T11:05:00.000-07:00

International Fund for Animal Welfare and Weekly Reader join forces to 'save the tigers'

Cougar-Wolf Interactions

2010-09-28T10:09:00.000-07:00

Maybe you've heard the expression "fighting like cats and dogs." But what happens in the wild, when a top feline predator encounters a top canine predator? Steve Grooms offers a fascinating look into that scenario:

Cougar-Wolf Interactions: It's a Lot Like Cats and Dogs

Coyotes, Wolves, Cougars... Forever!

2010-09-26T20:44:00.000-07:00

I discovered a marvelous blog today that, like this one, explores the past, present, and future of both wolves and big cats (with coyotes included for good measure). As written on the blog, Coyotes, Wolves, Cougars...Forever "is a site that invites research, commentary, point/counterpoint on the suite of native animals(predator and prey) that inhabited The Americas circa 1500-at the initial point of European exploration and subsequent colonization."

I'm looking forward to reading more!

Texas Tail Saves Florida Panthers, for Now

2010-09-24T10:31:00.000-07:00

Texas Tail Saves Florida Panthers, for Now

By Brandon Keim

"In a rare story of conservation success, a last-ditch effort to save the Florida panther has slowed, if not reversed, the marvelous animal’s decline."

(Click on the link/title above to read the entire article.)

Lost tiger population discovered

2010-09-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

Lost tiger population discovered

Lost Land of the Tiger will be broadcast on BBC One at 21.00BST on Tuesday 21st, Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd September.

To save tigers, protect key breeding areas

2010-09-15T09:56:00.000-07:00

Study: To save tigers, protect key breeding areas

By ROBIN McDOWELL (AP)

Wolves in the Midwest vs. the West

2010-09-13T07:01:00.000-07:00

Wolves in the Midwest vs. the West. What’s the Difference? Us.

The article by Brodie Farquhar, linked above, does a good job of exploring the differences in attitudes toward wolves around the country. Referencing a master's thesis by Melanie Jane Houston, Farquhar writes:

What Houston found is that overall, media attitudes toward wolves are largely negative and have become more so in the past decade. Houston’s research contradicts analysis by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that public attitudes toward wolves has improved over the past three decades.

Not a good sign for the wolves.

A Tale of Two Tigers: Escape in Miami, Revenge in Russia

2010-09-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

A Tale of Two Tigers: Escape in Miami, Revenge in Russia

"Tiger tales like these always make me think of Chris Rock. I know it sounds odd, but he inevitably is called to mind on the basis of one particular stand-up act. After one or another various circus-based tiger attacks, this comedian sagely quipped, 'That tiger ain’t go crazy. That tiger went tiger!'" ~ Dr. Patty Khuly

Where the wild things are. . . isn't always where they belong

2010-08-13T09:34:00.000-07:00

"According to statistics provided by the Wildlife Sanctuary there are more tigers living as pets in just the state of Texas than currently exist in the wild in the entire world. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that 10,000 to 15,000 big cats are in private hands from cages in basements to roadside zoos."

What's wrong with this picture? Everything!!!

Where the wild things are 30 years later | REDSTONE REVIEW

Mountain - The Wolf in WILD INDIGO

2010-08-09T08:21:00.000-07:00

It was a romantic idea to bring a wolf into our lives, not a practical one. Mountain was a hybrid, estimated to be 75% wolf due to his breeding, however no one knows for sure.

Author Sandi Ault writes about her experiences with Mountain, a wolf-hybrid, and explains why -- in spite of her experience -- she does not recommend owning a wolf-hybrid. I appreciate her candor and respect her judgment on this matter. I suspect that most of not all people who acquire wolf-hybrids are acting on a romantic impulse, and I am doubtful that they are really prepared to offer the animal the life it desires, needs, and deserves.

Sandi's books sound fantastic, and I'm definitely going to read Wild Indigo. Here are links to her website and to her article about Mountain:

http://www.sandiault.com/index.html
http://www.sandiault.com/id4.html

Disappearing Wild Cats & Canids

2010-08-04T14:05:00.000-07:00

For an interesting article plus a document prepared by the International Foundation for Animal Welfare (IFAW), click the following links:

July in animal news: Five questions with International Fund for Animal Welfare leader Fred O'Regan

The Fading Call of the Wild: A Status Update on the 15 Species of Disappearing Wild Cats & Canids

Cats in Trees

2010-07-12T10:00:00.001-07:00

Beautiful photos of cats in trees!

http://www.treehugger.com/galleries/2010/07/lions-and-tigers-and-cheetahs-oh-my-big-cats-in-trees.php

Wild Cat Found Mimicking Monkey Calls

2010-07-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

Wild Cat Found Mimicking Monkey Calls; Predatory Trickery Documented for the First Time in Wild Felids in Americas

ScienceDaily (July 9, 2010) — In a fascinating example of vocal mimicry, researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and UFAM (Federal University of Amazonas) have documented a wild cat species imitating the call of its intended victim: a small, squirrel-sized monkey known as a pied tamarin. This is the first recorded instance of a wild cat species in the Americas mimicking the calls of its prey.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100708141620.htm

International Wolf Center Retires 10 year old - Shadow

2010-07-10T09:55:00.000-07:00

Lincoln Park Zoo

2010-07-02T09:43:00.000-07:00

Recently I did a book signing at Lincoln Park Zoo (Chicago).

The weather was not terribly cooperative, but I was still

able to get a few good pictures of Mr. and Mrs. Lion!

The North American Black Panther – Myth or Reality?

2010-06-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

From the article:

While many plausible explanations exist for the existence of an American black panther, there is also the slimmest, slightest chance that it’s a true cryptid – a brand new species or subspecies that we know nothing about. Just such an animal is appearing in other countries. Hundreds of black panther sightings are reported in Britain every year and also in Australia.

http://waypastnormal.blogspot.com/2010/06/north-american-black-panther-myth-or.html

Family values: Why wolves belong together - life - 16 June 2010 - New Scientist

2010-06-22T08:34:00.000-07:00

Family values: Why wolves belong together - life - 16 June 2010 - New Scientist

Sometimes wolves really can be "big and bad"

2010-06-21T11:37:00.000-07:00

I love wolves, and I am truly grateful that I have been able to interact one-on-one with socialized wolves.

I have great misgivings about the approach described in the article at the following link: Howling next door? Don't worry, it's just a San Fernando Valley wolf pack.

It's not clear how much "wolf content" these animals have, but the owners are presenting them as wolves. They say they are whistle-trained and come when called. Young children are encouraged to interact with them.

I find this troubling. First of all, the owners are promising that their whistle-training will override the wolves' natural, instinctive (i.e., predatory) responses. I don't think that's a safe bet at all.

Second, what exactly is this approach "teaching" children about wolves? That they make good pets? That wolves are friendly toward humans? That a wolf poses no threat to a child? Based on my research and conversations with wolf experts, I can't agree with any of that.

No matter how much whistle-training you do, a high-content or pure wolf is NOT the same as a domestic dog. The likelihood of a wolf responding to instinctive, predatory behavior is far higher than the chances of a dog doing the same. Dogs have been conditioned over centuries to relate to humans the way they do. It seems absurd to me that someone would think they have accomplished the same thing with a wolf in just a few years.

Drawing wolves and cats

2010-06-18T08:05:00.000-07:00

How to draw wolves and cats!

http://www.dragoart.com/art/2392/1/1/wolf-and-cat.htm

Biologist Studies Wolves' Possible Return to Colorado

2010-06-17T17:07:00.000-07:00

From the article: "Depending on who you talk to, wolves have been seen in northwest Colorado for several years. But few claims have been verified, until last year when a collared wolf from Yellowstone was found dead near the town of Meeker. Like every corner of the West, wolves are an ultra-sensitive issue here"

http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kunc/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1664048/Regional/Biologist.Studies.Wolves

Camera Trap Captures Image of Rare Spotted Leopard in Malaysia

2010-06-17T13:52:00.000-07:00

From the article: "The news marks a high point in an otherwise bleak outlook for the world’s tigers, lions, jaguars and snow leopards."

http://beforeitsnews.com/news/79/975/Camera_Trap_Captures_Image_of_Rare_Spotted_Leopard_in_Malaysia.html

Amazing Photography by Yair Leibovich

2010-06-17T07:01:00.000-07:00

Get ready to see some AMAZING photography
of wolves, cats, and more.

Just click on the link below:

http://wolveskeeper.deviantart.com/

Canadian Lynx - Species Spotlight

2010-06-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

Beautiful video of a "Rastafarian" lynx (LOL) and interesting info about differentiating between lynx and bobcats.

The comments at the end about game farms make me think twice about purchasing calendars with images of wild animals on them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4lO6cnkLt8

MN big cat sanctuary will be home to Texas tiger

2010-06-16T09:13:00.000-07:00

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Wildcat Sanctuary in Sandstone, Minn. will provide a home for a tiger that was rescued from a home in Texas. According to a news release from the Wildlife Sanctuary, the tiger's owner recently died, leaving behind three pet tigers.

The Wildcat Sanctuary wants to remind the public big cats do not make good pets and are a serious threat to public safety.

http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=852911

Wild Cats Go Crazy for Calvin Klein’s Obsession

2010-06-15T19:21:00.000-07:00

. . . animal specialists ranging from zookeepers at the Bronx zoo to a jaguar researcher in Guatemala have deployed Obsession to attract and distract big cats.

http://www.utne.com/Wild-Green/Wild-Cats-Go-Crazy-for-Calvin-Kleins-Obsession.aspx

Wolf Videos

2010-06-09T11:20:00.000-07:00

Super-cool videos of socialized wolves at

Wolf Park

Snow Leopard news

2010-06-09T10:38:00.000-07:00

State of the Snow Leopard

a report card from Panthera

For Romeo

2010-06-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

"There will never be another wolf like him here, never ever."

Juneau residents considered wolf a 'friend'

Juneau mourns loss of lovable black wolf Romeo

Bobcat kitten update

2010-06-05T10:49:00.000-07:00

The cute bobcat kittens are really growing fast! This video introduces the viewer to the purrsonalities of the individual kittens!

Mexican wolf is still struggling

2010-06-05T10:47:00.000-07:00

From the LA Times blog:

Agency must decide on proposed endangered species listing for Mexican gray wolf by end of July, judge rules

The Mexican wolf, a subspecies of the gray wolf, was exterminated in the wild by the 1930s. The federal government began reintroducing wolves in 1998 along the Arizona-New Mexico border.

The reintroduction program in the Blue Range began with 13 wolves. Biologists had predicted a self-sustaining wild population of 100 wolves by now.

But the latest count at the end of 2009 found 42 Mexican wolves: 27 in Arizona and 15 in New Mexico. The number was a significant drop from the 52 reported a year earlier.

How not to treat a tiger…

2010-06-05T10:46:00.000-07:00

If you are told you can have your picture taken with a tiger (or other big cat), please think carefully before you do it. Most opportunities like that require mistreatment of the animal. Is that really what you want to support?

http://zoonewsdigest.blogspot.com/2010/05/how-not-to-treat-tiger.html

Meet a unique leopard

2010-06-05T10:45:00.000-07:00

Meet a unique leopard

Meet Edgar, a handsome cat who has come all the way from Estonia to do nothing less than help save his species.

Radio collars to study tiger behaviour in Sunderbans

2010-06-05T10:43:00.000-07:00

PTI NEWS

Kolkata, Feb 28 (PTI) For an authentic scientific study of their behaviour, tigers in the Sunderbans, the world’s only mangrove eco-system which has big cats, will be fitted with radio collars, forest officials said.

“Last week a tigress which had strayed into Gosaba area in South 24 Parganas district was fitted with a radio collar.

We have to radio collar a few more tigers which will provide information about their behaviour in Sunderbans,” Sunderban Biosphere Reserve (SBR) director Pradeep Vyas told PTI.

There was no scientific study on the behaviour of the big cats in the Sunderbans and all information was based solely on observation, he said.

“So, an authentic scientific study is needed and radio collars will provide us exact information about the behaviour of tigers,” Vyas said.

New photos show jaguars alive and well near border

2010-06-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

Such amazing animals!

New photos show jaguars alive and well near border

Who’s afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?

2010-06-05T10:37:00.000-07:00

Who’s afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?

Jess Edberg of the International Wolf Center in Ely, Minn., said it’s time. The endangered species listing did what it was supposed to do. “Biologically speaking, the wolves in the Great Lakes area have achieved recovery,” she said. “The Endangered Species act funding is one pool of money. If the wolf no longer requires federal protection, there are hundreds of other species that really are at risk of going extinct and could really use that money.”

Follow the travels of Brutus, the “North Pole wolf”!

2010-06-05T10:34:00.001-07:00

“They want to learn how arctic wolves fare in winter”

Thanks to a satellite collar, two innovative scientists, and a blog, people can follow the travels of Brutus, the “North Pole wolf” as he leads his pack through the long arctic winter.

http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=2351

Released: 12/1/2009 7:04:29 AM

Contact Information:
U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey
Office of Communication
119 National Center
Reston, VA 20192

Revisiting the Differences among Wolves, Dogs, and Wolf-Dog Hybrids

2010-06-05T10:33:00.000-07:00

An article from the International Wolf Center:

Revisiting the Differences among Wolves, Dogs, and Wolf-Dog Hybrids

Wolves: majestic symbol or bloodthirsty predator?

2010-06-05T10:31:00.000-07:00

Debate divides Oregonians

This article makes it clear why this isn’t a “simple” issue that can be resolved easily to everyone’s satisfaction.

SHARING THE STORY OF THE SAWTOOTH PACK

2010-06-05T10:26:00.000-07:00

Living with Wolves is bringing down the walls of misperception.
For six years, Jim and Jamie Dutcher lived among a pack of wolves in the wilderness of Idaho, filming them, listening to them and earning their trust. . .

Shy Wolf Sanctuary

2010-06-05T10:23:00.000-07:00

Naples event helps people overcome their shyness toward wolf-dogs

Shy Wolf Sanctuary is where I first interacted with a wolf/wolf-dog. If you’re ever down in the Naples, Florida area, make an appointment to go visit them!

The Shy Wolf Sanctuary is a local nonprofit organization that provides a home for displaced animals, creates awareness of harmful animal breeding practices and encourages people to be empathetic and understanding toward all forms of life.

Babies, Dogs, and Wolves

2010-06-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

Fascinating article from NPR about babies, dogs, and wolves:

Babies And Dogs Make The Same Classic Mistake