There is probably no other species in North America that elicits more division than wolves. The sides usually come down to ranchers who fear for their cattle, and environmentalists who fear the extinction of an animal they value and see as critical to the balance of nature.

Wolves reveal the bigger picture of the relationship between humans and the wild, and indeed the relationship between humans from different walks of life.

In this episode, I saddle up, take to the hills of eastern Washington state, and meet a man who left his city life behind to protect the wolves he loves.

Daniel's work as a range rider is supported by Conservation Northwest and the Northeast Washington Wolf Cattle Collaborative (NEWWCC).

THE WILD is a production of KUOW in Seattle in partnership with Chris Morgan and The UPROAR Fund. It is produced by Matt Martin and edited by Jim Gates. It is hosted, produced and written by Chris Morgan. Fact checking by Apryle Craig. Our theme music is by Michael Parker.

Follow us on Instagram (@thewildpod) for more adventures and behind the scenes action!

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/c/ChrisMorganWildlife

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.