Gray Territory BONUS: Saint or Sinner | Interview with Wolf Biologist David Mech
Fri Jan 30 2026
David Mech has been researching wolves since 1958 and has authored hundreds of articles and 13 books on wolf behavior and ecology. From his decades of studying wolves across the globe, including Isle Royale, Minnesota, Canada, Italy, Alaska, Yellowstone, Ellesmere Island, and elsewhere, to modern wolf management and conservation, David has witnessed and helped shape decades of evolving scientific understanding. In our deep dive interview with David, hear some of his key learnings, from the now-debunked "alpha wolf" concept to the nuanced realities of predator-prey dynamics and trophic cascades, along with his views on the complexities of managing wolves in human-dominated landscapes.
Learn more about the podcast at institute.dmns.org/gray-territory and lawsofnotion.org.
Sign up for the Institute for Science & Policy's mailing list.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube.
If you like our work, consider making a tax-deductible donation.
The Institute for Science & Policy is a catalyst for thoughtful dialogue, working toward solutions for society's greatest challenges with scientific thinking, empathy, and inclusivity. The Institute is a project of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.
Credits:
Reporting, writing, hosting: Kristan Uhlenbrock
Editing, production, marketing: Tricia Waddell
Editing, fact-checking, production: Jordan Marks
Additional research: Kate Long
Sound design: Seth Samuel
Original music: Composed and performed by Brett Kretzer. Fiddle played by Andy Reiner. Banjo and backing vocals by Dr. Joy Adams.
Additional music: Epidemic Sound
More
David Mech has been researching wolves since 1958 and has authored hundreds of articles and 13 books on wolf behavior and ecology. From his decades of studying wolves across the globe, including Isle Royale, Minnesota, Canada, Italy, Alaska, Yellowstone, Ellesmere Island, and elsewhere, to modern wolf management and conservation, David has witnessed and helped shape decades of evolving scientific understanding. In our deep dive interview with David, hear some of his key learnings, from the now-debunked "alpha wolf" concept to the nuanced realities of predator-prey dynamics and trophic cascades, along with his views on the complexities of managing wolves in human-dominated landscapes. Learn more about the podcast at institute.dmns.org/gray-territory and lawsofnotion.org. Sign up for the Institute for Science & Policy's mailing list. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube. If you like our work, consider making a tax-deductible donation. The Institute for Science & Policy is a catalyst for thoughtful dialogue, working toward solutions for society's greatest challenges with scientific thinking, empathy, and inclusivity. The Institute is a project of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Credits: Reporting, writing, hosting: Kristan Uhlenbrock Editing, production, marketing: Tricia Waddell Editing, fact-checking, production: Jordan Marks Additional research: Kate Long Sound design: Seth Samuel Original music: Composed and performed by Brett Kretzer. Fiddle played by Andy Reiner. Banjo and backing vocals by Dr. Joy Adams. Additional music: Epidemic Sound