In this episode, behavioural ecologist Dr. Jane Packard highlights the connection between behaviour, ecology, and physiology as she recounts captivating tales from her time as a wolf researcher across Canada and the US. From captive wolves in Minnesota to the wild packs of Ellesmere Island and Yellowstone National Park, we also explore the complex interplay of social and environmental factors that shape the intricate lives of wolves, delving into their reproductive, social, and cognitive behaviours.

Additionally, in the pursuit of progressing both wolf research and conservation, we discuss the importance of learning to see the world through the eyes of another being — whether two-legged or four-legged — and recognizing the value of perspectives shaped by diverse experiences and ways of knowing.

Dr. Jane Packard is Associate Professor Emeritus at Texas A&M University. She joined the Graduate Faculty in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences with a BA in Psychology from Swarthmore College, Ph.D. in Ecology and Behavioral Biology from the University of Minnesota, and postdoc at the University of Florida.

In 2008, she was internationally recognized as a leading expert on wolf social behaviour for research conducted early in her career. Her national reputation broadened as she applied the principles of behavioural ecology to marine mammals and ungulates. Her greatest research contributions included behavioural mechanisms of infertility, animal use of habitat, and diverse cultural perspectives on conservation.

Teaching and service awards highlighted her dedication to scientific rigor, diversity, and high impact learning experiences for undergraduates. She served on the boards of international, national and local non-profit organizations, including: Society for Conservation Biology, Organization for Tropical Studies, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, and Brazos Valley Museum.

Additional resources:

• Jane M. Packard’s research
  • Wolves (2019)
  • Wolf Social Intelligence (2012)
  • Wolf Behavior: Reproductive, Social, and Intelligent (2003)
• Books mentioned in the episode
  • The Arctic Wolf by L. David Mech
  • In the Shadow of Man by Jane Goodall
  • Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
• Films featuring Gudrun Pflüger:
  • A Woman Among Wolves
  • Running With Wolves
• Learn more about our Wolf Conservation Program

Raincoast Radio is hosted by Chelsea Greer and produced by Sofia Osborne, with additional audio editing by Oumar Salifou. This podcast is a production of Raincoast Conservation Foundation, a team of conservationists and scientists empowered by research to protect the lands, waters and wildlife of coastal British Columbia. Learn more and support our work at raincoast.org.