Defender Radio and The Switch
Defender Radio and The Switch bring experts and solutions to wildlife advocates and animal lovers around the world. Hosted by award-winning journalist Michael Howie, Defender Radio and The Switch are produced by The Fur-Bearers (TheFurBearers.com) and released weekly. Learn more at DefenderRadio.com
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Why I Left The Fur Industry with Mike Moser
11/10/2026
Why I Left The Fur Industry with Mike Moser
For more than a decade, Mike Moser was one of the people defending the international fur industry. As a senior director with the International Fur Federation and later CEO of the British Fur Trade Association, Moser visited fur farms around the world, evaluated animal welfare standards, and defended the industry to politicians, journalists, and the public. But over time, what he saw on those farms began to challenge what he believed about animal welfare. In 2018, he resigned from the industry, and today works with Humane World for Animals, campaigning to end fur farming and the fur trade. What changed his mind? And what can someone who spent more than a decade inside the industry tell us about its practices, its public messaging, and its future? Mike Moser joined us to discuss his journey from industry defender to animal advocate, the realities of fur farming, and what it might take to bring the industry to an end. SHOW NOTES Cover image of a fox on a Quebec fur farm by Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals Connect with Mike: Articles by Mike Moser: — Humane World for Animals, September 2, 2025. — EUobserver, May 21, 2026. Take Action to End Fur Farming in Canada: AI Disclosure: The transcript for this interview with Mike Moser was generated using Vibe, an artificial intelligence (AI) transcription tool, with AI assistance used to correct obvious transcription errors. Some errors may remain; please refer to the audio for the original conversation. Learn more about . Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Bluesky () and Facebook ().
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Berta's Story
10/28/2026
Berta's Story
When Berta, a five-year-old livestock guardian dog, was killed in a snare near her family's home outside Williams Lake, BC, her family was devastated. Victoria Savile, Berta's owner, is a hunter and longtime resident who never knew active snares could be set so close to her home. Now, she's calling for better public warnings and stronger trapping regulations. On this episode of Defender Radio, Victoria shares Berta's story, the impact on her family, and why she hopes speaking out will prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy. SHOWNOTES The Fur-Bearers article: Pets in Traps: How to Release Your Pet From A Trap Video: Moon's Law: Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Bluesky () and Facebook ().
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Beyond Bear Smart with Dr. Lana Ciarniello
10/20/2026
Beyond Bear Smart with Dr. Lana Ciarniello
British Columbia is the birthplace of the Bear Smart program – an approach that's now influencing communities internationally. But across the province, encounters between black bears, grizzlies and people can still lead to bears being killed. We know many of these encounters are preventable. Decades of research have helped us understand why conflicts occur and what communities can do to reduce them. So why isn't this knowledge being put into practice? Earlier this year, freedom of information requests by The Fur-Bearers . In September, delegates at the Union of BC Municipalities convention . With a provincial election approaching, what happens next remains uncertain, while the consequences for bears continue. , a bear researcher whose 30-year career includes helping establish BC's Bear Smart program, joins Defender Radio to discuss the challenges bears face in British Columbia, the policy changes that could give communities and bears a better chance at coexistence, and what her reveals about rehabilitating and releasing orphaned grizzly bears. SHOW NOTES Photo by Jillian Cooper / Getty Dr. Lana Ciarniello at Global Bear Conservation: Dr. Lana Ciarniello ResearchGate profile: Study: Evidence for a metabolic trap and habituation limiting post-release survival of orphaned grizzly bears: Plain language article on study: The Fur-Bearers article on Bear Smart: The Fur-Bearers article on UBCM response: Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Bluesky () and Facebook ().
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The Fragile Future of BC's Fishers feat. Rich Weir
10/06/2026
The Fragile Future of BC's Fishers feat. Rich Weir
Fishers – Pekania pennanti – are secretive, forest-dwelling members of the weasel family found across parts of British Columbia. But the Columbian population in BC’s central interior is small, isolated, and facing serious pressure from habitat loss, wildfire and trapping. is a senior wildlife biologist with Artemis Wildlife Consultants who has spent much of his career studying fishers and other carnivores in British Columbia. His research has helped us better understand where fishers live, how their populations are connected, and what they need to survive. Rich Joined Defender Radio to talk about what makes fishers unique, what new genetic research is telling us about the Columbian population, and what needs to happen to help these animals recover. SHOW NOTES Episode art of Fisher in Olympic National Park (reintroduced from BC in 2008-10), by Learn more about Rich Weir, his publications and Artemis Wildlife Consultants: Learn more about the BC Fisher Habitat Working Group: Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Bluesky () and Facebook ().
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Growing Hamilton's Urban Canopy
09/22/2026
Growing Hamilton's Urban Canopy
Hamilton’s urban tree canopy currently sits at about 18 per cent, and the City has set a goal of increasing that to 40 per cent by 2050. That matters for people — but it also matters for wildlife. Trees provide food, shelter and movement corridors for many of the fur-bearing animals who share our urban neighbourhoods, from squirrels and raccoons to skunks and other species. A new pilot project from the City of Hamilton and the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club is helping grow that habitat by bringing free, professionally planted native trees into backyards in lower-canopy neighbourhoods. To learn more about the program, I spoke with Jen Baker, General Manager at the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club, and Louise Thomassin, Senior Project Manager, Forestry and Horticulture with the City of Hamilton. SHOW NOTES Hamilton Naturalist's Club: City of Hamilton' Urban Forest Strategy: HNC Backyard Tree Planting Pilot: Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Bluesky () and Facebook ().
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OnlyMarms Featuring Dr. Julien Martin
09/08/2026
OnlyMarms Featuring Dr. Julien Martin
For more than 60 years, researchers have been studying generations of yellow-bellied marmots in Colorado, creating one of the longest-running studies of wild mammals in the world. Dr. Julien Martin is a professor of biology at the University of Ottawa and one of the researchers now leading that project, studying how marmots respond and adapt to changes in their environment. But keeping a decades-long research project going takes more than good science. When traditional research funding became uncertain, Julien and his colleagues tried something a little different: they launched OnlyMarms, an OnlyFans account dedicated entirely to marmots. What followed was a surprisingly successful experiment in science communication, fundraising and the internet’s apparently limitless appetite for charismatic rodents. In this episode of Defender Radio, we talk with Dr. Julien Martin about the value of long-term wildlife research, what marmots can teach us, and what happens when scientists have to get creative to keep their work going. SHOW NOTES: Episode Art of Kite the Yellow-Bellied Marmot by Laura Green / Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory Marmots Page: RMBL Marmots on Instagram: OnlyMarms main page: Dr. Julien Martin's OnlyMarms GitHub: UCLA Coverage of OnlyMarms: Winner of Fat Marmot Week Coverage: Dr. Julien Martin's University of Ottawa page:
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Jimothy and Wild Animal Welfare Science
08/25/2026
Jimothy and Wild Animal Welfare Science
The Fur-Bearers’ Wildlife Campaigns and Advocacy Manager Tijana S and Science Communicator and Researcher Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin join the Defender Radio podcast to talk Jimothy, wild animal welfare science, how our use of space impacts wildlife, and a new study on coexistence stats worldwide. Plus a bit of fun and laughter as host Michael Howie is taught more about science, as always. SHOW NOTES: Screengrab of Jimothy by Instagram user with permission. Etymology: Entomology: Ethology: More about Jimothy: More about grizzly bears and how our space impacts them: Sci Comm article, Whose Welfare Counts? The Science of Wild Animal Welfare: Sci Comm article, Human–Wildlife Conflict: Insights from 220 Studies in 47 Countries: Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Bluesky () and Facebook ().
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Surviving The Wildfire feat. Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society
08/11/2026
Surviving The Wildfire feat. Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society
Over 21,000 people were , British Columbia, when the Bald Range fire rapidly grew to over 156 square kilometres. Among the thousands of homes that were impacted or destroyed by the wildfire is . The volunteer-run organization, led by founder Eva Hartmann, focuses on water birds, bats, reptiles, and small mammals like beavers, otters, and muskrats. When the call to evacuate came in Eva and her partner chose to enact the Interior Wildlife evacuation plan – and saved all the animals in their care. Tragically, the Interior Wildlife facilities were destroyed by the wildfire. Now, the Interior Wildlife team is to rebuild when the time is right, and get back to helping wildlife who need it most. To share more about Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society, the impact of the wildfires, how the team is managing, and what’s next, Defender Radio is joined by volunteer Ryan Elisabeth Cope. SHOW NOTES Cover image by E. Hartmann/IWRS Donate to IWRS Rebuilding Effort: Learn more about IWRS: Find IWRS on Facebook ( and Instagram ( BC 2-1-1 Wildfire Resources: BC SPCA Wildfire Animal Support: Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Bluesky () and Facebook ().
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Urban Habitats and Connectivity featuring Dr. Lenore Fahrig
07/07/2026
Urban Habitats and Connectivity featuring Dr. Lenore Fahrig
When we talk about wildlife, we often talk about it as though it belongs somewhere else. A forest. A park. A protected area. Somewhere north of us, away from the roads, neighbourhoods, shopping centres, and backyards where we spend most of our lives. But nature is not somewhere else. It's everywhere. Coyotes on city streets, raccoons in backyards, skunks under sheds, birds crossing parking lots, insects searching for flowers — all are living in landscapes we have shaped, divided, paved, and rearranged. So what does that mean for them? And what does it mean for us? Dr. Lenore Fahrig, a highly-cited landscape ecologist at Carleton University joins Defender Radio to discuss what habitat loss and fragmentation mean for wildlife, how fur-bearing animals move through cities, and what we can do as individuals and in our communities to create more essential connectivity. SHOW NOTES: Episode art by / Getty Dr. Lenore Fahrig's Lab page: Dr. Lenore Fahrig's Bio page: Study – Nature-based solutions for urban biodiversity: Spatial targeting of retrofits can multiply ecological connectivity benefits: Podcast interview on above study: Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Bluesky () and Facebook ().
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The Space Wildlife Needs feat. Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin & Tijana
06/16/2026
The Space Wildlife Needs feat. Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin & Tijana
Defender Radio host Michael Howie is joined by colleagues and Tijana (Wildlife Campaigns and Advocacy Manager at The Fur-Bearers) to talk about studies covering drones and British Columbia's endangered species, plus a chat about what kind of space wildlife needs this time of year. SHOW NOTES Episode artwork of an edangered Vancouver Island Marmot by Learn more about Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin: Instagram: Articles on TheFurBearers.com: Articles and Studies referenced: When Drones Disturb Nature: What Wildlife Research Is Telling Us: Species at Risk in British Columbia: What 17 Years of Data Reveal: Dear Grizzly Bear 142, Mother of a Train-Struck Cub (by Cleo Shedden): The Lost Words by Robert McFarlane: How to Pronounce Arthropod: Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Bluesky () and Facebook ().
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Fur Farming and the Next Pandemic featuring Dr. Neil Vora
06/02/2026
Fur Farming and the Next Pandemic featuring Dr. Neil Vora
It feels like yesterday – and a lifetime ago – that the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world. I don’t know about you, but I’m still dealing with that experience, and I see the impact of it around me regularly. What’s most upsetting, perhaps, is that experts are sending clear messages: it’s not if, but when the next pandemic will hit. A major source for potential virus spillover is fur farms, of which there remain dozens in Canada today, despite a British Columbia mink fur farm ban announced in 2021. , a former CDC epidemiologist, Executive Director of the Preventing Pandemics at the Source Coalition and Orchestrator in Residence at Integral, and passionate conservationist, is one of many people pushing for change. Dr. Vora joins Defender Radio to discuss the risks of fur farms, how Canada and other nations can embrace One Health policies, and how our relationship with nature is at the core of it all. SHOW NOTES Photo of a mink on a Canadian fur farm by We Animals Dr. Neil Vora's website: Preventing Pandemics at The Source: Ban fur farming or risk a new pandemic (The Guardian, by Dr. Neil Vora): Marking the end of fur farming in British Columbia: Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Bluesky () and Facebook ().
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Spring in the Wild City featuring Nathalie Karvonen
05/19/2026
Spring in the Wild City featuring Nathalie Karvonen
This time of year is glorious for all of us – and for the wild neighbours with whom we share our communities. From black bears and coyotes to skunks and squirrels, wildlife is out and about, finding new den sites, food sources, and introducing their families to the world around them – even in cities. Sadly, human infrastructure and behaviours can lead to tragic outcomes for many animals; and that’s why dedicated wildlife rehabilitators across the country need your help. Joining us to talk about spring wildlife and their families, the surprising biodiversity of major cities like Toronto, and how you can help your local wildlife rehabilitator is Nathalie Karvonen, Executive Director and Founder of the Toronto Wildlife Centre. SHOW NOTES Episode art of a Toronto raccoon by bukharova / Getty Images Toronto Wildlife Centre website: Toronto Wildlife Centre Instagram: Impacts of Wildlife Feeding Along RBG Trails: Paris has successfully cut noise pollution, but urban birds still can’t sing at their natural pitch: Ontario Gov page on Wildlife Rehab: Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Bluesky () and Facebook ().
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Communicating Coexistence feat. Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin + Tijana S.
05/05/2026
Communicating Coexistence feat. Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin + Tijana S.
Defender Radio host Michael Howie is joined by colleagues Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin and Tijana S. (Wildlife Campaigns and Advocacy Manager at The Fur-Bearers) to talk about The Fur-Bearers' recent time at the Humane Canada Summit for Wildlife, two studies reviewed for our article, and how communication is a key aspect to wildlife coexistence. SHOW NOTES Episode artwork by / Getty Learn more about Dr. Valli Fraser-Celin: Instagram: Articles on TheFurBearers.com: Articles and Studies referenced: Humane Canada recap – Study: Helping Landowners Live with Beavers – Why Nocturnal Wildlife Gets Less Love – Surprising ways skunks help your ecosystem – Raccoons at Noon? Don’t Panic. – Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Bluesky () and Facebook ().
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What's Next?
10/27/2025
What's Next?
We want to look into the future for Defender Radio and The Switch – and that means hearing from you! We've put together a short (really) that will take fewer than 5 minutes and can help us know in which direction to go. It includes episode length/frequency, guest mix, accessibility, and more. To show our appreciation, we're also offering a $100 Visa Gift Card that will be randomly drawn and awarded to a survey taker (must be 18+, live in Canada excluding Quebec, and provide name/contact information in the survey to participate). Click here to get started or visit . Thank you. SHOW NOTES: Artwork by Enrico Staine / Getty Images Take the survey at Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Bluesky () and Facebook ().
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Animal Law at University of Toronto featuring Dr. Angela Fernandez
09/22/2025
Animal Law at University of Toronto featuring Dr. Angela Fernandez
Animal law is a topic of growing interest to Canadians, advocates, and legal experts. While there are some great people doing great work related to animal law in Canada, there haven’t been any university-associated programs on it – until now. Angela Fernandez, a long-time University of Toronto law professor, is taking on the project as the director of the University of Toronto Animal Law Program. To share what the vision for the program is, what prospective students may learn, why there’s a need for the program, and how it could reshape law in Canada, Professor Fernandez joins Defender Radio. SHOW NOTES: Cover image by / Getty Images Animal Law Program at UofT: Animal Law Program on LinkedIn: Animal Law Program on Instagram: Dr. Angela Fernandez's UofT bio page: Animal Justice Law Conference: Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Bluesky () and Facebook ().
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Fashion's Future is Fur-Free featuring PJ Smith
09/15/2025
Fashion's Future is Fur-Free featuring PJ Smith
September is fashion month, with massive week-long events in major cities worldwide, including New York, London, Milan and Paris. And the question on many peoples’ minds is: will we be seeing fur, or will more designers choose to go fur-free? PJ Smith, Director of Fashion Policy for Humane World for Animals thinks the future of the industry is fur-free, and joins Defender Radio to discuss trends, textile innovation, and what gives him optimism. SHOW NOTES Humane World for Animals: Humane World for Animals Woolrich Campaign: Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Bluesky () and Facebook ().
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Canmore Cougar Tragedy Update feat. John Marriott and Maggie Spizziri
09/08/2025
Canmore Cougar Tragedy Update feat. John Marriott and Maggie Spizziri
The tragic story of a locally beloved cougar being killed near Canmore, Alberta, earlier this year was heartbreaking. John Marriott, an award-winning wildlife photographer and co-founder of Exposed Wildlife Conservancy shared his harrowing experience with Defender Radio – along with his discovery of two cougar kits, orphaned by the incident. Several months later, the cougar kits were transferred to Parc Safari in Quebec, and the outcry for policy change in Alberta rages on. To share more about these updates and introduce the new Executive Director of Exposed Wildlife Conservancy, John Marriott and Maggie Spizziri join Defender Radio. SHOW NOTES Cougar kit photo by John E. Marriott / WildernessPrints.com Exposed Wildlife Conservancy website: EWC on YouTube: EWC on Instagram: EWC on Facebook: Canmore Cougar Tragedy (original episode): Conservationst article mentioned: Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Bluesky () and Facebook ().
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Bring Back the Night: Light Pollution featuring Tijana Selak
09/01/2025
Bring Back the Night: Light Pollution featuring Tijana Selak
From streetlights to skyscrapers and everything in between, lighting up the night can help keep people safe. But, this often excessive lighting has a consequence: light pollution. Native wildlife across Canada gets impacted by light pollution in many ways–and they're not alone. Humans, too, are impacted in surprising ways by our bright night skies. Tijana Selak, Wildlife Campaigns and Advocacy Manager at The Fur-Bearers, joins The Switch to talk about the impacts of light pollution on wildlife, humans, and the simple solutions that can help us make a switch for the better. SHOW NOTES: Episode art of Calgary at night by Gelu Popa / Getty Images Check out Tijana's excellent article on light pollution at TheFurBearers.com: Learn more about window strikes and their impact on birds with FLAP Canada at: CBC Article "Urban wildlife team finds alarming rise in bird-window collisions in downtown Calgary": Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Bluesky () and Facebook ().
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Navigating Climate Grief featuring Dr. Shawna Weaver
08/25/2025
Navigating Climate Grief featuring Dr. Shawna Weaver
Wildfires and drought, floods and ice storms, and a seemingly never-ending news cycle of chaos around us is a lot. I’ll be honest – there are days I want to hide from it all myself. But carrying the weight of what’s happening to the natural world around us isn’t new, and it has a name – climate grief. This intense grief and anxiety can come from any source and impact anyone. It can be the terrifying scenes of wildfires across Canada, the floods impacting other parts of the world, or even noticing the subtle quiet in greenspaces, once filled with bird calls and buzzing insects. But there are ways to navigate this grief, to listen to ourselves and the world around us, and re-establish connections for resilience and hope. To share insights into how climate grief can impact us, how it manifests differently for different people, and strategies to manage, climate grief expert and author Dr. Shawna Weaver joins Defender Radio. SHOW NOTES Episode title card photo of wildfire in British Columbia's Okanagan Valley by shootthebreeze / Getty Images Dr. Shawna Weaver's book Climate Grief: Dr. Shawna Weaver's website: Mental Health Supports: The Government of Canada's landing page for mental health supports offers a variety of services, organized by province/territory and type. Visit to find support for yourself or loved ones. You can call 9-8-8 in Canada and the United States to be connected to crisis intervention. You're not alone. Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Bluesky () and Facebook ().
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The Mink VIRUS Act featuring Devan Schowe
04/14/2025
The Mink VIRUS Act featuring Devan Schowe
Mink fur farms are a virus’s favourite place. There’s lots of opportunity to transmit, mutate, and lead to more virulent strains that threaten public health. With the devastating economic impact of H5N1 or avian flu in the news, the reintroduction of the Mink Virus Act to the United States Congress is well timed. To share what this legislation is about, why it matters, and how people on both sides of the border can support it, Devan Schowe, Campaigns Associate for joins Defender Radio. SHOW NOTES Photo of a mink on a Canadian fur farm by We Animals. BornFree USA's Mink VIRUS Act page and action: BornFree USA on Instagram: BornFree USA on Facebook: BornFree USA on Tiktok: BornFree USA on YouTube: Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Bluesky () and Facebook ().
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The Canmore cougar tragedy featuring John E. Marriott
04/07/2025
The Canmore cougar tragedy featuring John E. Marriott
Anyone who follows John E. Marriott or Exposed Wildlife Conservancy on social media knows that a cougar John had tracked for many years was killed near Canmore, Alberta, earlier this year. It led to two orphaned kits, a harrowing experience for John, and a clear mission: to share this story with the public and lead to change for wildlife in Alberta. To give us the story from the very beginning and what he wants to see happen next, John Marriott joins Defender Radio. SHOW NOTES: Photo of the orphaned cougars provided by John E. Marriott / WildernessPrints.com Exposed Wildlife Conservancy: John's Photography website: EWC on YouTube: EWC on Instagram: EWC on Facebook: Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Bluesky () and Facebook ().
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A Dam Good Conversation: Ben Goldfarb on Beavers, Wetlands, and Rewilding the World
03/25/2025
A Dam Good Conversation: Ben Goldfarb on Beavers, Wetlands, and Rewilding the World
Fifty years ago this week, Canada officially made beavers one of our national symbols. In celebrating this anniversary – and the many ecological services and benefits provided by beavers – The Fur-Bearers have a bit of beaver fever. And who better to talk to about beavers than , the journalist behind . This book has made big waves since it landed in 2018, and Ben joins Defender Radio to share how he started out writing Eager, what he loves about beavers, his newer works, and how we can look to beavers for hope in uncertain times. SHOW NOTES: Cover photo by jamesvancouver / Getty Images Ben Goldfarb's website: More about Eager: More about Crossings: Ben on Bluesky: Learn more about Canada's 50th anniversary of the beaver as a national symbol from The Fur-Bearers at: Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Bluesky () and Facebook ().
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Canada's Most Distinct Species featuring Emma Kominek
03/17/2025
Canada's Most Distinct Species featuring Emma Kominek
Canada’s iconic wildlife include moose, beavers, and wolves. But of the many species of vertebrate, which are the most evolutionarily distinct? And why does that matter? A team of researchers from Simon Fraser University (emma Kominek, Olivia Cornies, Arne Ø. Mooers, and Wildlife Preservation Canada's Hannah McCurdy-Adams) explored these questions in their paper, , published in the journal . The final list included some not so surprising results – like beavers being near the top for mammals, and some unusual species that aren’t commonly known, like mudpuppies, an amphibian that can be found in a relatively small range of southern Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. To share more about the paper, how the species lists were developed, and why it’s important for conservationists to learn about, study coauthor Emma Kominek joins Defender Radio. SHOW NOTES: Episode photo by Chuck Miller / Getty Images Evolutionary isolation of Canadian terrestrial vertebrate species: SFU's coverage of the study: Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Bluesky () and Facebook ().
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The Switch: Going Green for March Break Travel
03/10/2025
The Switch: Going Green for March Break Travel
Whether you’re heading south to escape the cold, across the provinces for an adventure, or just a town over for a quick getaway, there are a lot of choices we can make while travelling for March Break that reduce our impact on the environment – and can even improve it. SHOW NOTES Episode art photo by Petmal / Getty Images Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio and The Switch? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (), Facebook (, or Bluesky (. Defender Radio and The Switch is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Twitter () and Facebook ().
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Takaya's Ongoing Legacy featuring Cheryl Alexander
03/03/2025
Takaya's Ongoing Legacy featuring Cheryl Alexander
The journey of Takaya the Lone wolf on Vancouver Island was one of hope, inspiration, and ultimately tragedy. Cheryl Alexander, acclaimed conservation photographer and Founding Executive Director of Takaya’s Legacy has shared her story countless times – but this past year the story took a new twist. An iconic photo of Takaya, taken by Cheryl, was used by a wolf hunting guide’s website without permission. This not only created a social media outrage, but put the spotlight back on the pressures facing wolves in British Columbia and the need to connect public belief with policy. To share these updates and explore the impact the misuse of Takaya’s image had both personally and publicly, Cheryl Alexander joins Defender Radio. SHOW NOTES: Photo of Takaya by Cheryl Alexander Takaya's Legacy website: Takaya's Legacy on Facebook: Takaya's Legacy on Instagram: Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Bluesky () and Facebook ().
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The Switch: Road Salt Solutions
02/24/2025
The Switch: Road Salt Solutions
Winter salt keeps sidewalks safe but harms Ottawa’s waterways. A five-year study shows toxic chloride levels in local streams year-round. Learn how to reduce salt use, protect aquatic life, and keep winter walkways safe. SHOW NOTES: Episode art photo by / Getty Images Check out Ottawa Riverkeeper's work on salt monitoring and reduction: Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio and The Switch? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram (), Facebook (, or Bluesky (. Defender Radio and The Switch is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Twitter () and Facebook ().
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Saving North Atlantic Right Whales featuring Sheryl Fink
02/17/2025
Saving North Atlantic Right Whales featuring Sheryl Fink
North Atlantic Right Whales are at extreme risk of extinction, with only around 370 individuals and around 70 reproductive females. According to , over 142 individuals have been injured or died since 2017 – a shocking 35% of the current population. Fortunately, individuals like Sheryl Fink of the or IFAW are working hard to collaborate and find solutions to protect this endangered whale species, who can be found off the coast of Canada. To share more about how North Atlantic Right Whales reached such critically low levels, what the largest impacts on their populations are, and how scientific collaboration can lead to solutions, Sheryl joins Defender Radio. SHOW NOTES: Episode art credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. Image taken under NOAA Research Permit 665-1652 (). Find more about Sheryl and IFAW's work to save North Atlantic Right Whales at: . Find IFAW on Instagram: Find IFAW on Bluesky: Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Bluesky () and Facebook ().
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The Switch: Meal Planning to Reduce Food Waste
02/10/2025
The Switch: Meal Planning to Reduce Food Waste
Canadians waste a ton of food - literally! Learn how meal planning can reduce food waste, save you money, and reduce your impact on emissions and climate change by listening now. SHOW NOTES: LoveFoodHateWaste.ca: Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio and The Switch? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio and The Switch is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Twitter () and Facebook ().
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Biodiversity and Urban Connectivity feat. Dr. Thami Croeser and Dr. Holly Kirk
02/03/2025
Biodiversity and Urban Connectivity feat. Dr. Thami Croeser and Dr. Holly Kirk
Enhancing biodiversity in urban areas is a critical step in improving our ecosystems, resilience against the climate crisis, and ensuring nature exposure for residents. But how do you increase biodiversity on pavement? According to two researchers, it can start with stepping stones. Drs. Thami Croeser and Holly Kirk tackled this issue and showed the brilliance of available solutions in their paper . In short, the researchers showed that converting underutilized parking spaces in urban Australia can improve ecological connectivity – the ability for various species to move across the landscape from one patch of greenspace to another. To share the need for such connectivity changes, how they developed and ran their study, the incredible benefits to both people and ecosystems, and what lessons we can learn, Drs. Thami Croeser and Holly Kirk join Defender Radio. SHOW NOTES: Episode art provided by Dr. Thami Croeser Read the paper: Dr. Thami Croeser on LinkedIn: Dr. Holly Kirk's website: The Conversation Article: Sound of Mole Crickets via Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Twitter () and Facebook ().
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Dealing With Winter Drafts
01/27/2025
Dealing With Winter Drafts
Cold drafts in winter aren’t only unpleasant, they could be costing you money and wasting energy. Listen now to The Switch to hear how to quickly identify and deal with a draft. SHOW NOTES: Photo of a door equipped with two types of draft stoppers by AndreyPopov / Getty Images Want to suggest topics for Defender Radio? Reach out to us at by visiting DefenderRadio.com or engaging host Michael Howie on social media via Instagram () or Facebook (). Defender Radio is produced by The Fur-Bearers (), a charitable non-partisan organization whose mandate is to advocate on behalf of fur-bearing animals in the wild and in confinement, promote coexistence solutions in communities and protect the habitats of fur-bearing animals across Canada. You can follow The Fur-Bearers on Instagram (), Twitter () and Facebook ().
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