Julia Smith

Julia Smith, endangered species recovery manager at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, dives deep into wildlife management challenges. She discusses the controversial strategy of removing barred owls to aid the struggling northern spotted owl population. Julia highlights evidence showing spotted owls rebound with rival removals. The conversation shifts to wolf recovery, revealing a current count of 230 wolves amid debates about livestock conflicts and coexistence strategies. With poaching and density dependence affecting populations, Julia offers an optimistic outlook for future wolf recovery.