Speak! Jennifer McCarthy's Blog: Yellowstone National Park Wolf Expedition Archives

Yellowstone National Park Wolf Expedition

To Be Animal...

Posted by jennifer on January 24, 2011.

To be animal, to understand what makes a human detached from its own comrades of mammals, you have to live it, you have to breathe it and essentially, "Be wild"...

Years ago, I had asked the most fundamental question that every human being seeks on the planet: Why am I here and what am I supposed to be doing.

I had worked in almost every aspect of the dog business, grew up riding horses, scuba dove and lived on boats all over the Caribbean but my most extreme hurdle was not in understanding the animals. It was the human psychology behind the issues & problems that I was faced with on a daily basis.

I couldn't wrap my head around one thing: How and why do humans think they are no different from a dog, cat, wolf or horse? Sure, we have more developed brains but is that a good thing? As far as I knew, the human race was facing many issues including over population, global warming and war to name a few. I saw wolves develop similar family systems in the wild and survive the ice age. We are still a new species to some animals and I had a feeling that some of them knew that. It seems that wolves had us from the beginning, they used us to get food and here we have the domestic dog. This basic and simplistic way of living for some species worked-they had survived when others had died off and in some terms, it made them wiser.

Most humans don't go around thinking every day in simplistic terms. We get to work, pay the bills and purchase what we need to eat, wear, live under and travel in. Rarely does a person hunt on foot, study a herd, live outside and wear what he kills & will eat.

I decided to head out to Colorado to work with wolves and detach from society as much as possible to study the interactions between my dogs & horses, cattle and wildlife high up in the mountains above Boulder. This extreme way of living taught me more in my career and in life than I had ever anticipated. I wanted to know what it was like to live life on the food chain without a gun and be to some extent, an animal in the wild.

Once removed from the ongoings of society, you let go of a lot of facades. What was once important became non-essential. I began to process a raw, more substantial outlook on life that didn't revolve around material things or complex social interactions.

I saw how much we are all sold products of someone else's life-things that other humans make as an impression of their ideas but not based upon who we are as people. Certain human issues became less important and I became focussed on studying and learning from my comrades in the forest.

Animals live life in the same way people do at fundamental levels. They experience joy, heart ache, depression, sadness, loneliness, happiness and excitement to name a few. Some are social creatures that like to have fun and play games but all struggle to survive. They eat, rest, sleep, travel, work, play and have families. I found more "humanness" in the woods than I found animal or maybe I was finding more animal in all of us as humans.

As my journey continued, I saw acts of tolerance between different species, I saw kindness and forgiving and I saw what makes life worth living to all of us on planet earth. This experience as animal, has me convinced that I learned more about being a human from other mammals. We can learn more from other species because they are our comrades. We should not deny the fact that we are one of them.

My journey continues to this day and as I seek to find answers in helping humans and animals co-exist, I only find myself going farther in search of my true purpose.

From the eastern shores of Africa to the reefs off the coast of Australia to the most remote corners of Yellowstone, I continue to gain more knowledge, grow more as a person and become increasingly skilled with what I do to share with anyone who needs help or is interested in listening.

To relate this all back to your pet has great significance because I believe in not speaking from a human perspective but a perspective of your pet. What other species teach me breaks way to a new understanding of working with one as an equal, not as a greater species which harbors great compassion and understanding for domestic pets and their human owners.

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Thanks :-)

Posted by jennifer on October 30, 2010.

Hey Everyone-
Thank you all for the beautiful messages and support I've been receiving from the airing of the Wolf-Dog special last night on the National Geographic Channel. There's much more to come as things are moving quickly in a bigger direction... With that said, I have many more research projects I'll be talking about, my work with coyotes and ranch dogs, horses, the Mexican Gray Wolf Program and much, much more! So stay tuned in here to my blog to get the latest news and I look forward to meeting more of you out there on this wonderful journey of helping animals. Howl and woof to you all!
All my best,
Jennifer

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You're Invited: Dog Whisperer Premiere Event!

Posted by jennifer on October 9, 2010.

To see the invitation, click here:

Dog_Whisperer_4x6_100710[1]2.pdf

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NAT. GEO. WOLF-DOG SPECIAL AIR DATE ANNOUNCED!

Posted by jennifer on September 22, 2010.

Stay tuned in on Oct. 29th at 7p.m. to the National Geographic channel for a one hour special on the show "The Dog Whisperer" regarding my work with wolf-dogs. Cesar & I will be rehabilitating 3 cases. See you on TV!

You can learn more here:

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/dog-whisperer/4523/Overview

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC ONE HOUR WOLF-DOG SPECIAL...

Posted by jennifer on August 8, 2010.

Hello Friends,
Please visit: http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/dog-whisperer/4523/Overview for more upcoming information on my work with wolf-dogs on the emmy-nominated show, "The Dog Whisperer". This special episode will be airing soon so tune in here or the Nat. Geo. website for more information!
Woof & Howl,
Jennifer

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Gorongosa...

Posted by jennifer on July 21, 2010.

My time at Gorongosa was one of the best times of my life. I intend to go back as more animals are re-introduced. I toured the re-introduction pen for Hyenas which will be there soon as well as the area for Zebras, etc. to be transported to the area after all studies are completed. To put my experience in words and pictures would not be doing Gorongosa justice. The people I met, the stories of war, survival and the resilient hope I saw in people's eyes was nothing short of amazing. And to think this was- at one time, the most abundant game area in all of Africa.

I heard about the restoration project going on there at a premiere party in Denver for their National Geographic Special- "Africa's Lost Eden". When I heard the story, I immediately thought of the wolf re-introduction project in Yellowstone that very well changed not only the ecology, people's perception of how important keystone predators are but also the huge advances that were made with the Trophic Cascade, etc.
The idea of an area going through these changes with so many species not only fascinated me but I wanted to be a part of it. Something told me I had to go to Africa...

This trip has not only given me more knowledge of such amazing creatures, the landscape and people that have a love/hate relationship with nature but it has changed me not only professionally but personally.
I felt that by connecting with people living in such poverty, sitting down and eating corn with them and their struggles to put food on the table for their family that it gave me a different perspective. I understood why so many had come to a last resort and went trecking into the park and poaching an animal to survive- they had nothing to eat. On the flip side, I had dinner with Carlos Lopes Pereira, Gorongosa's Director of Conservation. A man I have much respect for given the huge task in front of him. (By the way, Carlos is a former canine handler and used Belgian Malinois to de-mine many areas of the park.) He talked to me about the other poachers- the ones making money by killing an Elephant for it's tusks and killing Rhino's for their horns. These animals were killed for money- left to die. Carlos's first task was to secure the park from poachers which employed a local task force of guards patrolling the perimeter every 10 or so meters but sometimes the poachers would still get in. One poacher even lost his pants somewhere in the bush that were left behind as he was chased off, so there is a pantless poacher somewhere in or outside Gorongosa National Park incase you happen to spot him. Overall however, poaching has signifigantly decreased since protecting the area but it is still an issue that the park faces weekly.

The problems Gorongosa faces are all but similar to management in Yellowstone. Monitoring behavior patterns and keeping close tabs on animals that may not be used to cars driving off at any little sign of an elephant charge or something similar but the bottom line is this- Of the few animals that did survive the brutal civil war, they did so through adaptation. The crocs. are so scared of humans that they immediately run for the water. Not only are the animals in trauma recovery but the people too. Some had lost 6-7 family members per family. I met one man who survived for 24 hrs. in the river with the crocodiles by breathing through some sort of reed stick like a straw as to not get shot by the enemy.

Since the park has had a second chance thanks to American philanthropist, Gregory Carr, The Carr Foundation and the Government of Mozambique, things are only looking up. I visited a school and clinic that was built in one of the nearby local communities. I shook the hand of the Dr. and nurses that were excited to have us visit and I saw that over 400 local people in the nearby towns now were employed for the park and had steady jobs.

My hope here is that once more animals will be re-introduced, there will be no fences surronding Gorongosa and that the people and animals can learn to live peacefully. I hope that poachers can find other means of making money and I hope that studies are done as this park emerges back to what it used to be- Africa's first Serengeti so that we may continue to learn, preserve and protect what is important for generations to come.

I have every inkling of going back for a longer period of time after more animals are re-introduced and I hope to raise awareness and support for this important cause. This is like our Yellowstone but with only a portion of the wildlife- so far.

Mozambique is one of the poorest countries in the world and I think I may have seen only one or two Americans the whole time I was there. The war is now over though and the beaches are beautiful. I also swam with two whale sharks and visited the largest research area for whale sharks in the world.
The hotels have opened their doors and slowly, new ones are being built. This gem of a country is on it's way to hitting the world stage and I'm proud to say that Gorongosa will be a part of that.

On a bad note, I did fracture my ankle in Africa at the end of my trip including a severe sprain, torn tissues, etc. I am on the mend but will be back running with the wolves and training man's best friend very soon. For now, here are a few pictures with more available shortly at: www.http://www.photoshelter.com/c/jennifermccarthy.com. These images are also available for purchase through that site. I will also be posting links to organizations to donate to Gorongosa National Park very soon...

This is an ungulate we thought may have been poached. Upon further inspection, it died in a fight by another animal's horn...

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New Adventures...

Posted by jennifer on June 14, 2010.

Today I am heading home after spending some time with my friend Henry (a high percentage wolf-dog) as he recovers from an injury from hiking last week. It's one thing to get a 100 lb. animal that is pretty much all wolf, into the back of my Jeep and into emergency care. It's another thing getting him down the mountain, into the emergency clinic off a high traffic area street, going through surgery and then successfully adopting a lamp shade collar. Then after this, having to take him back to the emergency clinic after he figures out how to chew through the collar and pull out his drainage tube. I am happy to report that Henry is now doing well and is no longer resisting the lampshade although many objects tend to fall or get knocked over in his path.

I have a busy next two months ahead of me- I am leaving for Africa in two weeks, packing up a lot of my things into storage and when I return, heading to Arizona to begin a journey back to horses, coyotes, the Mexican Gray Wolf and coexistence issues between wildlife and ranchers. You may be wondering why I do all of this and you will soon find out as I launch a new behavioral concept this fall right here on my website based on four years of research. Don't worry, it still has to do with dogs but on a much broader spectrum.

After heading to Az. for one week, I am then in L.A. to meet with clients then up to a horse ranch where I will be living at for 1-2 years. I will still have my current locations and will eventually be heading back to Colorado but will still be there to meet with clients as I do in L.A. & Vegas in the meantime.

This is good news for those in Los Angeles and in Scottsdale, Prescott & Phoenix as I will be in these areas more often now to service those that need my help.
With all of this research, I have come to find some great advancements in the world of non-human animals so stay tuned for some amazing new information coming soon!
I am off to pack and gather up my equipment for some tent living in the bush of Gorongosa National Park as I document the re-introduction of species similar to that of the wolves in Yellowstone. I will be gathering information on local struggles between wildlife and livestock and see if they are having success with the Hyena and Wild Dog packs that run through the park and into local communities.
Off to pack and will blog from the road!
Best wishes,
Jennifer

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Bringing The Wild World To Your Living Room...

Posted by jennifer on March 27, 2010.

Most of my clients know that during our sessions, I will bring in things I have learned from other species. They laugh when I accidentally refer to their dog as a wolf or horse but in reality, my knowledge and research has brought me to places all over the globe in search of creative and inventive ways to live a wonderful life with their furry friends.
This summer, I will embark on a new journey for eleven days to Mozambique, Africa. I will snorkel with whale sharks, humpback whales and manta rays, go on safari by land and foot in Gorongosa National Park while living in a tent camp amidst lions, elephants, hippos, alligators and perhaps if I am lucky- to spot the two African Wild Dog packs that migrate through the park.
Gorongosa is a remarkable conservation effort similar to Yellowstone in the states but in the beginning fazes of a long-term process. Reintroduction has occurred with many species there as most were eradicated due to war in the area years ago. Now, a huge effort is underway to save this beautiful landscape and it's creatures from being hunted and on the verge of extinction.
This re-introduction process is similar to the epic tale of the return of the wolf in Yellowstone.
Like other journeys I have taken, I hope to bring even more knowledge to my private clients in the United States about what we can learn from wildlife to re-connect our relationships with domestic animals and ourselves back to mother nature.

If you would like more information on Gorongosa National Park, you can visit their website here: http://www.gorongosa.net/

I'm sure I will be bringing back unbelievable photos which you can view right here on my blog :-) Stay tuned as things get closer to summer to hear more about it!

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Rhythm

Posted by jennifer on January 13, 2010.

In order to be come joined up or linked in with a connection to animals, think of your favorite drum beat. When I used to compete in tracking competitions, I learned that while laying my track, if I stomped my footprints into a rhythm, the dog would follow the track better.
If you can walk you have rhythm- anything that moves has this concept. Think of skiing for example. Once you get going on some runs- you get a feeling of being in synch to something greater. This is a energy connection and it happens with animals too. If you have done any sport- running, horseback riding, tennis, surfing- you can get into a certain flow. Now, imagine that same feeling and beat running with your dog across a field- after a while you both join to a rhythm... a central beat like one heart.
This is what I have seen in nature. When I watch deer run, I can feel that. Take it back to when we were hunters... Running along side buffalo on a horse under your feet. You have so many heart beats in one continuous pace. Your heart rate elevates at being in this wave of continuos energy as does your horse's and the buffalo.
Rhythm is the essence to being wild. Wild wolves, horses, elk, etc. use their feet in a beat. I encourage you to discover this with your own dog. Feel what it's like to go off the beaten path where people don't frequent. If you are in a city, try alley ways. Put on your ipod and synch into some upbeat music with a paced rhythm. You can walk or run but go for a while. As your dog starts to tire a little, you will reach a point where you both are linked in. Like horse and rider, this is an equal relationship. Pretend you and your dog are living on the plains and searching for food. You are now teammates- equal partners. You can achieve this equal plane competing in dog sports too as well as watch it on TV when handlers move a dog around a show ring. Watch how they move & watch the dog handlers movements. The good ones can feel this common bond and connection to a greater energy flow. True horse whispers are also very knowledgeable at this concept though they might not be aware they are doing it.
I have learned this living with the wolves and from growing up as a competitive horseback rider. I have run through the aspen groves after rabbits with the wolves- sifting back and forth through the trees. They were faster than me but we both were on the hunt. I see the same thing up in Yellowstone when the wolves move the herds... Testing and prodding to find the weakest link, their tails are raised in heartbeat and anticipation- they are bonded on the highest level- one heart beat, one rhythm... Hunting to a drum only they and the elk can hear.
The highest form of bonding you can do with your dog is on the walk or on the run. Movement together resembles that primal urge going back to our ancestors who hunted with the wolves. Even the tiniest chihuahua still has these natural urges.This is why I am such a huge opponent to not using treadmills. It is an "easy out" for modern society to not take their animal for a walk.
If you are disabled, etc. their are certainly instances for it but I just think it's one more way man is separating himself from nature. There are no shortcuts in the wild but rather, basic laws and principals that everyone lives by. If you are out of shape, your chances of getting eaten are even higher. I have only known this from being on the food chain myself.
I can't expect a wolf to respect me unless I am physically capable of showing strength and attitude. They have to know if they challenge me over a piece of food, I could very well win. I eat my food in front of them and guard it till the ends of the earth.
All of these concepts were taught to us by the Native American culture however it may be only until now that we are capable of hearing them....

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Winter Camping Tips:

Posted by jennifer on September 9, 2009.

Winter Camping tips:

1) Don't leave your boots outside your tent. They will freeze and mice will sleep in them.

2) Speaking of mice, check your boots before you put your feet in them.

3) Don't pitch a tent near a river, stream, etc. The moisture will condense on the inside of your tent and cause ice to form.

4) Layer the bottom of the tent with many blankets. The farther you are from the ground, the warmer you will stay.

5) Eat spicy food to keep you warm and fill a cantene or water bottle with hot water to put in your sleeping bag when you for get in. Hot rocks off a campfire will do the same thing.

6) Store your food, lotions, creams, etc. Away from your tent in a proper bear proof container or slung over a tree far from the ground at the middle portion of a limb. Being bear safe even in winter is a smart choice as some bears will still be roaming around.

7) Pets attract animals, food & your behavior. Behave properly in the wild and you will avoid dangerous animal encounters. Carry bear spray and a blow horn if you are in grizzly country.

8) If you get snowed into your tent, start banging the snow away before opening any zippers. Pitching tents under trees will help with snowfall accumulation.

9) Mice love warmth! Don't store food in your car or you'll have company riding shotgun with you on the way home.

10) Take care of your dog by providing warm bedding, fresh (not frozen) water, food, sleeping accompdation inside your tent and booties and warm outerlayers if needed.

11) Bring snowshoes in your car, extra food and blankets and always bring two back up sleeping bags.

12) Sleep in layers, with a hat and winter socks on.

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A Few More Pics....

Posted by jennifer on September 6, 2009.

Last Trip For Macho At The Grand Canyon:

Snow Shoeing In The Mountains:

Snow Shoeing With Elvis & Lola:

Elvis Tired After A Storm:

My Tent: Yellowstone

My Tent At Mission: Wolf-

Hiking With The Dogs In Winter:

Colorado Blizzard In The Mountains:

Backpacking The Sand Dunes With Sandrine (Friend Dog Trainer From Paris):

California:

Back Country Yellowstone:

Sleeping Under The Stars:

Searching For Tracks:

Dog Sledding: Telluride

Backpacking Sand Dunes With Elvis & Lola:

Snow Angel:

Hiking With Elvis: Colorado

Wolf Research:

Feeding The Dogs:

Back Packing: Colorado

Captive Wolf Research:

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Posted by jennifer on September 2, 2009.

Venice, California:

Se: San Diego-

Johnny Cash: Newest Addition To the Pack-

Juno: Phoenix, Arizona-

Co-Pilot:

Juno: Tired From Road Trip...

Juno At Home In Phoenix:

Sleeping On the Floor In Vegas-

Lola & Elvis In the Woods-

Lola & Elvis In L.A.-

Living With the Wolves: Lola & Max Hunting

Lola & Elvis In The Pond:

Lola Hunting For Mice:

Lola In The Snow:

Snow Face-

Traveling To Save Wolves-

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Pictures, Pictures, Pictures...

Posted by jennifer on September 1, 2009.

In My Tent: Yellowstone

Jeep In the Snow: Colorado

Jeep On the Road- Mission: Wolf

Splash Magazine Photo Shoot: Los Angeles-

Splash Magazine: Los Angeles-

Workin' Like A Dawg-

Mission: Wolf- Fall 2008

McKinley Wolf Transport: 2008

Hangin' Out In the Tipi:

McKinley- Mission: Wolf

McKinley-

Two Story Tipi- Mission: Wolf

Camping With the Dogs: Colorado

Searching For Mountain Lions: Colorado

San Diego-

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"Wolves Do Not Look At You, They Look Through You." - Doug Smith

Posted by jennifer on September 1, 2009.

Living With the Wolves: June 11th, 2009

Today I ventured out for a hike when the sun broke through the dark clouds above. We've had so much rain & snow this spring, their seems to be a ton of water rushing down the rivers, creeks and streams and the grass is growing higher than I've ever seen it. The land is lush, speckled with purple, white and yellow wild flowers. Such a beautiful property here but as I hiked, my eyes scaled the trees, ridges and boulders and I watched for any sign of motion behind bushes in the forest. Although beauty reins, the lion is on the prowl amongst me- probably watching my every move. This feline may be back for lunch upon the kill site and I was headed there alone without refuge from the force of of my canines and wolves which would potentially disturb evidence. I walked and turned often, making sure this predator didn't strike from behind breaking my neck as they so well do. Any kill is potentially dangerous. From cats, to bears, wolves & coyotes- when you put food in the picture, it brings things to a whole different level. Before I got here, the owner of the property had forwarned that the deer lay near the barn. Knowing mountain lions full well- they will return to the kill after a few days to feast or even move the carcass. I searched and I searched- no deer. "That's it." I told myself. "I'm going to get the dogs and wolves." Within a few seconds, the animals took me right to a spot over near a large wood pile. Sure enough, something was killed there. Where did it go? The wolves concentrated on the scent at the scene of the crime. Eventually, Max lost interest and decided instead to catch a near by mouse which he played with, hung out his mouth while it squeeled and swallowed in one gulp as Elvis chased him around for it. If the cat moved the deer, the likely place it would be would be the forest in the center of the property where it could be out of view. However, lions up here use old mine shafts as dens and I've seen 3 shafts thus far in relative proximity. Could it have carried the deer back to it's den? Tomorrow I'll venture where I think the kill may have first occurred. A mountain lion will usually drag the carcass before performing surgery on it. I'm also going to look for any scratch marks on trees there- a signal that this is a male's turf.

In my research into habituation, I picked up the Daily Camera today. There was a story about an Eagle pocher and a bear that wouldn't leave a woman's backyard. I thought it would be a good idea to start keeping track of various animal encounters and try to make headway into the Colorado Division of Wildlife. I will need to take an overview of all animal encounters over the past 20 years with a concentration on coyotes. How has their behavior changed of late and when did this start occuring?

Next I need info. on how many wolves are currently believed to be in Colorado at the moment running wild. How many from Yellowstone vs. How many are thought to possibly being released? Are there any wolves currently in the state? What's happening with the wolf in Steamboat?

Yellowstone used to keep track of every wolf that left the park. Now they no longer do which is a positive sign.

The main question: When will wolves be thriving back in Colorado because we desperatly need them here...

Before I go, a word of advice: Never live your life around a dog. Make them live their life around you.

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More Pictures...

Posted by jennifer on August 31, 2009.

Henry: Boulder-

Henry-

Hiking With the Wolves & Dogs-

Hiking-

On the Road-

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Posted by jennifer on August 31, 2009.

Las Vegas-

Getting Hair Done In L.A.-

Got Snow?

Lola & Elvis In Beverly Hills-

On the Strip...

Elk- Yellowstone

Elmo & Ghandi- Phoenix, Az.

Jumping Out of the Jeep...

Elvis & Mitten-

Elvis & the Wolves-

Elvis & Henry Chasing Max: Living With the Wolves-

Elvis Swimming-

Elvis-

Max Following Elvis-

Elmo & Ghandi- Phoenix

Ghandi-

Grand Teton-

Grizzly: Yellowstone-

Grizzly-

Life On the Road-

Henry & Clide: Boulder

Henry & Elvis: Living With the Wolves

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Posted by jennifer on August 31, 2009.

Cowgirl & Juno- Phoenix

Coyote- Lamar Valley, Yellowstone

Daisy- Mission Wolf, Colorado

Daisy

At Home In Colorado...

Elvis & Lola Searching For Mountain Lion Tracks-

Elvis & Lola Hiking-

In Vegas-

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More Excerpts From My Journal Writing...

Posted by jennifer on August 31, 2009.

What I'm doing with animals acendes many levels. My communication to them is a feeling, sixth sense or psychic connection. I believe this to be true as I feel a lot of things from the core of my being when working with them.
Everything is nothing. Not controlling is freedom when working from an equal plane. Doing things from the feeling creates success. This is how I feel instead of "dominate" or control the situation- it's not written in a book rather a learned mutual conversation whether it be a horse, wolf or dog. - May 22nd, 2009 Hiking Alone In The Woods

Fresh mountian lion kill- deer near barn on property. Second kill within months, same general area. Possible habitual route lion is taking on property. Tomorrow going to kill site to investigate. Fascinating that these kills are taking place so close to the house and this one in broad view. Wondering if lion would have the same response to wolves as the coyote but that us unlikely as it has no fear entering captive wolf territory. Our hikes venture on the property line or outside of it in national forest. Lion kills seem to be more centrally located. Deer seems not as present the same as when my property was occupied by many deer visits until they realized dogs lived there. If lion is consistantly seeing wolves and humans, the potential for attack on an animal other than deer down the road would be likely if this is using as it's hunting grounds.

Going back to the lion that ate 7 dogs and a horse near my home two years ago, eventually killed by a neighbor, Dept. of Wildlife refused to kill such an animal. If a lion is that easily transfering from deer to dogs, cats, a horse, what comes next is a child or a human being. Where do we draw the line in the habituation with wolves and other animals? What constitues killing vs. Protecting? Educating people on how human behavior influences wildlife is key. Hunting may be a nessasary messure to allocate certain predators from uprising too far. Hunting interest has fallen however by 8%? Where do we find co-existance with mother nature is key question. Watching the scales tip could be dangerous: too much love of animals could backfire just as eliminating a predator altogether.

There was another attack by a coyote on a man recently here in Colorado. This is the second attack I've heard about within a matter of 3 months proximity. The way nature is rapidly growing out of allignment without the wolf is evident. However what if the wolf down the road becomes habituated to humans? Can we become friends with this predator and live in harmony is ultimatly a question that will effect the very future of our land. There is the very real possibilty the wolf will loose it's fear of us. - 6/10/09 Living With The Wolves

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Cell. Phone Notes & Quotes...

Posted by jennifer on August 28, 2009.

Running in the rain, sifting back & forth through the Aspen's & Ponderosa Pines, I was one with the beasts of nature.

"In Europe people talk a great deal of the wilds of America but the Americans themselves never think about them; they are insensible to the wonders of inanimate nature and they may be said not to perceive the muighty forests that surround them till they fall beneith the hatchet." - Alexis de Tocqueville

"The most remote location in the lower 48 states is the southeastern part of Yellowstone. There is not another location that will take you more than twenty miles from a road." - Beast In the Garden

"Animals normally flee when exposed to unusual, potentially threatning situations, such as people approaching. However, repeated exposure to such situations, if not followed by negative consequences, may result in an animal that does not flee as readily. Behavioral scientists refer to this warning of response upon repeated exposure to potentially threatning situations as habituation."

- Board of inquiry, 1986 on bear #59 attack in Yellowstone National Park

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Back In Black

Posted by jennifer on November 5, 2007.

"As I study wolves in the wild and get more and more into my research, I have been able to apply their communication style to dogs thus giving me unbelievable success and knowledge into who these creatures truly are. I now base a lot of my work treating dogs like wolves and less like dogs. Quite honestly by teaching my clients this language, it has truly bridged the gap into solving behavior problems and the results have been remarkable. These domestic animals sitting in our living rooms want nothing more than to be part of a pack, work and hunt for food, play and have leadership just like their ancestors do. When this takes place, psychologically I have seen dogs in their happiest moments and that's why I do the work I do- to see the light sparkle in their eyes and freedom in their soul." - Jennifer McCarthy
(From a recent press release...)

O.k. Guys- Now that I'm back from Yellowstone which means back to work, I will pick up where I left off by answering a dog question tomorrow. Maybe it will be yours! I guess you'll have to stop by again to find out ;-)
I'm so glad to have had a couple of days off because everytime I travel (especially into the outdoors), I have tons of stuff to put away, laundry to do, etc. Not to mention the phone calls & e-mails to return when I'm without a cell. signal.
I will be in Colorado until Los Angeles next month but will take a brief trip down to Mission: Wolf to converse about Yellowstone, see some old friends and visit the wolves in winter. In the mean time, classes and lessons are in full swing and everyone is getting a good dose of wolf education to apply to their domestic dogs.
So much else is happening career wise and it's very exciting. Keep stopping by to hear the latest updates and news!
Have a great week~
- Jennifer

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Life, Wolves, Dogs & Coyotes...

Posted by jennifer on November 5, 2007.

Hi Everyone~
Where do I start when it comes to my latest adventure in the wild? Let's see... Sandrine & I camped out in prime Grizzley & wolf country for 5 nights. We were actually in the territory of one of the largest wolf packs in Yellowstone- the Slough Creek wolf pack. This pack includes 20 wolves. To give you an idea of how close we were to them, not far from our tents were two Elk carcuss's they had eaten. One was realatively fresh. There were tracks & wolf scat all over the place and as we hiked around, we ran face to face into 3 bison coming over a hill, saw many coyotees and a Grizzley had recently been spotted in the area.
Everytime I do these adventures in winter camping, I always learn something new. This time I learned never to put my tent next to a creek in the winter as the humidity made the temperature about 10 degrees cooler. To give you an idea of how cold it was, my temperature gage got down to 12 degrees. When I woke up every morning, not only were my boots frozen but mice had a nice little house to sleep in at night. There was mice poop inside my boots so I used my pen to check for any overnight guests. Next time, I will block my boots off from visitors in the winter- lol.
Sandrine & I woke up every morning at 6 a.m. and the cold makes it very hard to get out of your sleeping bag but we did it to watch the wolves.
Much of what we captured on video was unbelievable footage and I just hope the zoom on my camera picked up things in detail. What I learned was beyond my expectations. It's night and day to observe wolves in their natural element vs. working with wolves in captivity. The wolves looked unbelievably healthy with muscle and winter coats and the pack behavior was amazing. This trip has certainly given me so many new ideas to apply into my work with domestic dogs.
We were very lucky to have met Rick McIntre- a leading wolf expert at Yellowstone. For the past seven years, he has not missed one day of observing these packs from morning until night. I think if he had night vision goggles, he might be out there right now- Ha!
I think the most incredible things to witness were the wolves playing with each other and eating elk. It's one thing to watch stuff on video but to see it unfold in person gives you so much more insight. There were things I saw that I had never seen on any video or tv show before- it was amazing to say the least.
We had other things to deal with such as constantly carring bear spray, dealing with the snow, getting across the freezing cold water in the creek to saw dry firewood and roaming about Yellowstone to just see it's natural beauty.
For now, it's one trip down but I will be on my next adventure in January or Febuary so stay tuned for more... It will either be Paris to work with the SPA (like our SPCA), The International Wolf Center or another winter camping trip to Yellowstone where the temperature at that time gets down to 42 below zero. Either way, more trips are scheduled as I continue my two year mission into wild canid behavior.
Hope you're well and staying warm!
- Jennifer

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Hello From Gardiner, Montanna

Posted by on October 30, 2007.

Hey Everyone- (It's me Jennifer!)

First of all, just wanted to say a big thank you to Amy for updating everyone on Yellowstone. We made a trip into town today to get some supplies as the weather has turned from good to bad with rain and lots of wind. By tomorrow, we should have snow on the ground... Sandrine and I just finished taping some VERY rare footage of the Slough Creek wolf pack eating an elk carcass in a creek. On top of that, some other wolves tried to get a piece of the action but were unsuccessful. A bald eagle sat high on a tree waiting for leftovers and the magpies were very bothersome to the wolves eating who chased them off as if they were annoyed. Earlier, we captured another grizzly on film and have been face to face with several coyotes.

Amy- you got to upload some of those pics from my camera phone for these guys!

I'm at a small cafe in town that has internet access while we recharge our battery packs. Carring all the camera equipment from location to location is a pain but what we've captured in one word is priceless... We've obsevered so much pack behavior- SO MUCH, it's been incredible.

Everything else is going well- tomorrow we will relocate to another location to set up camp. For now, we are sleeping in the territory of one of the largest wolf packs here at Yellowstone. Although it's hibernating season, the bears are still out and about searching for food and are often spotted very close to our camp.

More to come as I get a faint signal to send Amy text messages while roaming. Stay tuned and lots of love from the woods...

- Jennifer

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Day 3: Yellowstone National Park Wolf Expedition

Posted by on October 30, 2007.

I'm getting some great footage up here in Yellowstone! I was able to capture a grizzly chasing off an adult wolf howling over to a beautiful gray yearling that was separated from the pack. An adult female howled with her tail lowered showing signs it was a subordinate member. This could have been quite possibly an Agate pack which equals 2 black wolves and 3 gray wolves (timber wolves).

The female subordinate appeared frustrated that her howls did not get the attention of the yearling. She remained on top of the large rock howling until an enormous grizzley came in from behind and chased her away.

Global warming has played a major role in the slow deterioration of Yellowstone National Park. It's easy to observe the bark beatles destroying trees, drought and lack of berries growing among the land. Without berries, the bears search for food elsewhere thus leading to increased bear attacks on humans. Don't worry I have my bear spray! There is no word yet on the effects of wolves and the elk population. However, Aspen trees are thriving and wolves are keeping heards in good shape during their hunts for food. The elk appears healthy because wolf pack territories are so close to one another, so food is easily accessible to both. The only real killer to wolves is their own.

That's all for today... stay tuned for more (via text to Amy).

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Day 2: Yellowstone National Park Wolf Expedition

Posted by on October 29, 2007.

Early this morning, I saw a pack of wolves and was able to get some video footage of them really close before they disappeared. Another pack was later discovered near a ridge chasing elk. Suprisingly, the wolves do not bother the bison. A third pack was discovered playing together as a pack on a mountain top. The alpha male howled and commanded the wolves to leave the mountain with only one stragler that left without the pack.

Later in the evening, we hiked up in the back country, carrying our bear spray since there are a lot of grizzlies out and about. During the hike, we ran into three bison running up a hill that we were descending. We nearly hit one another going down!

Observing wolf behavior is like nothing I've ever experienced before. This journey is beyond my wildest dreams it's SO incredible! So far, I've observed Agate and Druid packs, captured wolf footage, observed wolf tracks in the back country and have seen many coyotes. One picture I will share upon my return is one of a big horn sheep drinking from a stream. I was also able to observe the big horns fighting.

Tonight it's a heat wave! A whopping 30 degrees and the sound of the rushing creek next to the tent will put me right to sleep. Stay tuned for more updates...

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DAY 1: Yellowstone National Park Wolf Expedition

Posted by on October 27, 2007.

DAY 1: Yellowstone National Park 10/27/07 - High 40° F | Low 23° F

My "partner of the wild" Sandrine and I arrived at 3:00 am into the Yellowstone National Park South Gate. While driving through Yellowstone to set up camp, we spotted three coyotes, several large bison, elk, deer, and prong horn sheep! We had to set up our tent next to a stream since we couldn't find any other camping spots at that hour. I didn't let the freezing cold 15 degree weather and lack of sleep dampen my spirits into this new journey. Not wasting any time, we headed out at 6:00 am in search of wild wolves with our Guide Rick.

Rick had an antenna to the radio collars attached to the wild wolves within Yellowstone. This allowed me an amazing opportunity to see a pack of 17 wolves and 2 grizzly bears through a spotting scope after a fresh kill. Um... one word: priceless. I was actually able to witness the wolves behavior as a grizzly chased the entire pack off of the carcass. This life-altering experience to observe their behavior in the wild has been unbelievable and it's only day 1!! Now I need to grab some firewood to keep warm.

Stay tuned for more updates friends...

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