Shows
Wildlife for YouPouncin' PaintersStephanne and Daryl help clear up some of Old Man Johnson's tales regarding "painters" screamin' down in the holler. Not only do they talk about where cougars are found in North America, but they explain why that deer up in that thar tree, likely wasn't put there by a cougar.
2026-02-2651 minWildlife for YouThe Big Bad WolfOld Man Johnson makes his first appearance and lets us know how he really feels about the return of the Gray wolf to the lower 48. Stephanne and Daryl unpack his comments to set the record straight on a few things that are often misquoted and misunderstood about Gray wolves.
2026-02-1748 minWildlife for YouA Chapped Ass RantStephanne and Daryl lay the final groundwork of why Old Man Johnson can't be trusted. Besides humans being incapable of predicting all intended outcomes in nature, many folks have a hrad time understanding "science." The final stage is set before we dive into some legends, lore, and misunderstandings.
2026-02-0339 minWildlife for YouWinter Feeding of WildlifeYes, we know that deer looks hungry... but should you feed it? Daryl and Stephanne delve into the good and bad of feeding wildlife. Even some of those unintended consequences that you may not think about.
2026-01-2039 minWildlife for YouWFY Reboot and Bear HibernationIn this episode of the Wildlife for You podcast, hosts Daryl Ratajczak and Stephanne Payne discuss the reboot of their podcast after a four-year hiatus. They emphasize the importance of addressing misinformation in wildlife. The conversation delves into the science of hibernation, the differences between true hibernation and torpor, and the common myths surrounding bear behavior. The hosts aim to educate listeners and debunk falsehoods while fostering a love for wildlife and conservation.fiyr86am
2026-01-0829 min
Wildlife for YouCry of the Red WolfDid you know that red wolves were once one of the dominant Apex predators in the southeast? Sadly, the species is now hanging by a thread along the coast of North Carolina.
2023-09-2157 min
Wildlife for YouWildlife CareersIf you’re wanting to drive fast expensive cars and travel the world, run away. If you don’t mind being broke but extremely happy… boy, do we have a career for you!
2023-09-0957 min
Wildlife for YouBear Solutions, Not ProblemsTalking about bears in the news. We need to focus on solutions rather than problems,
2023-08-1057 min
Wildlife for YouSWAPping in New MexicoMeg and Daryl talk to some aspiring young wildlife biology students who recently took part in the SWAP program. Don’t know what the SWAP program is? Well, listen to the podcast and find out. These promising young students are the future stewards of our precious wildlife resources.
2023-07-271h 04
Wildlife for YouHogs Gone Wild! His name is Al!Al... a big ol' Russian boar in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park spurs a discussion on not only pigs in the Park, but pigs in America.
2023-06-291h 06
Wildlife for YouOffending the Grandpappy's - Debunking Urban LegendsThe hardest lesson I learned was finding out my dad didn't really know everything there was to know about wildlife. In fact, he got a whole lot wrong! Daryl and Meg discuss some of those things they heard as kids and explain the truth about what is really going on.
2023-06-011h 05
Wildlife for YouSmoky Mountain Hiking TipsLots of people head to the Smoky Mountains and some of them actually get out of their car and hit the trails. If you want to be one of those people, listen to Meg who is a seasoned hiker in GSMNP.
2023-05-101h 12
Wildlife for YouBear BasicsMeg comes prepared to grill Daryl
with a whole list of bear questions... and a turkey question to boot!
2023-04-201h 16
Wildlife for YouCool Critters of GSMNPLast episode Daryl and Meg introduced you to the wonderful world of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This episode, they dive into a discussion about some of the amazing wildlife you will find there, and even some of the wildlife you won't.
2023-04-061h 14
Wildlife for YouSmokies and the Bears"Wildlife for You" launches a new platform to help teach people about the amazing outdoors. We begin with where it all started for our long-time host, Daryl... at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He is joined by his good friend and all-around southern spirit, Meg Pelley, a volunteer at the National Park. They discuss not only the Park and tidbits about bears but also why the Park is so special to them.
2023-03-161h 16
Wildlife for YouMountain Ghosts...and goats to boot!Daryl and Steph discuss a couple of high mountain adventures with ghosts and goats.
2022-04-0447 min
Wildlife for YouLet’s Go Buffalo!Noooo... we are not talking about Cape buffalo, were not even talking about the Buffalo Bills (sadly), we are talking about the American bison.
2022-03-281h 00
Wildlife for YouHog Wild!Wild pigs, feral hogs, Russian boars... Whatever you wanna call them... they’re awful for our ecosystem.
2022-03-1144 min
Wildlife for YouBig Ash CatsFrom totally misguided news reporters to big “ash” cats. We cover those honking big predators. Heck we even talk about Hank the Tank.
2022-02-2554 min
Wildlife for YouSandhill CranesStephanne and Daryl take you into a deep dive on Sandhill cranes. They are beautiful and wonderful birds in more ways than one.
2022-01-3044 min
Wildlife for YouWelcome back, Bandit the mouth breather, and who owns wildlife.We’re back, although a little rusty for 2022. We get things kicked off until Stephanne’s dog decides to take center stage but needless to say... we’re glad to be back!
2022-01-1445 min
Wildlife for YouHuman Country - “Bears Keep Out!”Everyone knows that there’s bear country but few people know about “human country.” If you truly love bears it’s best to teach them to keep out of human country.
2021-11-2645 min
Wildlife for YouSaving Bear 399Grizzly 399... she’s popular, she’s beautiful, and she is a handful. Find out what it takes, and doesn’t take, to keep 399 alive and thriving.
2021-11-1953 min
Wildlife for YouThe Most Destructive Species on Earth - Part 3Find out how climate change is really messing us up.
2021-11-0551 min
Wildlife for YouThe Most Destructive Species on Earth - Part 2In this episode Daryl and Stephanne talk about some human activities that truly are reshaping the world… and not for the better!
2021-10-2946 min
Wildlife for YouThe Most Destructive Species on Earth - Part 1Stephanne and Daryl take a deep dive into what is by far the most impactful species on earth and no, it is not coyotes.
2021-10-2257 min
Wildlife for YouWildlife Rehabilitation... an in-depth discussion.Fresh from her recent trip to Disney World Stephanne grills Daryl on the good and bad of wildlife rehabilitation.
2021-10-1555 min
Wildlife for YouBadgers? We don’t need no stinking badgers!All you need to know about American and Honey... badgers that is!
2021-10-0741 min
Wildlife for YouDo Black Bears Hibernate?There is a lot of misinformation out there about black bear hibernation. Yes, they hibernate they just do it a little bit differently… Yes, even in the Smokies!
2021-10-0139 min
Wildlife for YouDoes wildlife suffer from PTSD?Do animals react to traumatic events the same way as humans? The science is still emerging but the questions are intriguing?
2021-09-2446 min
Wildlife for YouDo wildlife suffer from PTSD?Find out if animals react to traumatic events the same way humans do. The science is still emerging but the questions are intriguing
2021-09-2446 min
Wildlife for YouNaked and Absurd!When does educational television become uneducational? When they flat out lie for ratings!
2021-09-1745 min
Wildlife for YouAttack Turtle!What’s the difference between a turtle, a tortoise, and a terrapin? If you don’t know, find out here!
2021-09-1039 min
Wildlife for YouThe Stinkiest episode yet!You guessed it… We’re talking about skunks. Anyway, we hope none of our episodes are really that stinky.
2021-09-0343 min
Wildlife for YouPossums ‘n Ticks... I don’t think so!Everyone knows that wild possums eat loads of ticks correct? Think again! This podcast teaches you to be mindful of “laboratory” studies.
2021-08-2741 min
Wildlife for YouIt’s OWLimentary my dear!Everything you ever wanted to know about owls and even some things you didn’t want to know.
2021-08-2043 min
Wildlife for YouConservationist or Preservationist... What are you?We take a deep dive into what these two terms mean and why they sometimes inspire deep-seated reactions.
2021-08-1348 min
Wildlife for YouWolverines... mean, stinky, and antisocial!Red dawn and the X-Men don’t have anything on real life wolverines. Not only are they one of Stephanne‘s favorite creatures but they’re pretty darn cool to boot.
2021-08-0647 min
Wildlife for YouPlaying in the Greater Yellowstone EcosystemReminiscent of our time spent with some amazing wildlife students in the GYE
2021-08-0437 min
Wildlife for YouWildlife MovementAnimals move around for various reasons. Just because they’re there may not mean they’re really there. Find out what we mean because it can be confusing.
2021-07-1640 min
Wildlife for YouBear Brigades and issues with roadside grizzliesTake a dive into the science regarding the impact of roads on grizzlies and grizzly behavior. It’s not always what do you think it is or what you heard.
2021-07-0947 min
Wildlife for YouSlithery Snakes -Part IILearn about the slithery heat seeking, air tasting, comedic actors we all know and love as… snakes.
2021-07-0231 min
Wildlife for YouSlithery Snakes - Part ISnakes freak people out but it’s mostly due to fear of the unknown. We try to break down some of those misunderstood concepts.
2021-06-2540 min
Wildlife for YouThe Moose is LooseMeet the mighty mighty moose, the largest member of the deer family.
2021-06-1829 min
Wildlife for YouBackyard Birds are Awesome... Literally!There is so much to enjoy about a yard full of birds. Find out what you should do to make your backyard bird paradise.
2021-06-1157 min
Wildlife for YouWhen Wildlife Info HurtsIt’s getting harder and harder to discern good information from bad information. Keep in mind, bad wildlife information can not only hurt wildlife, it can hurt you.
2021-06-0529 min
2021-05-2804 min
Wildlife for YouSynanthropes... those human lovin’ critters!Believe it or not humans are actually good for some species of wildlife. Well let’s just say they have learned to live with us.
2021-05-2834 min
Wildlife for YouAnthropause... the big human timeout.The global pandemic affected nearly all human life, this undoubtedly has had widespread impacts to wildlife. It’s pretty mind-boggling to even think about the potential impacts.
2021-05-2138 min
Wildlife for YouWhat’s Killing Our Bears?!?When a bear gets killed unintentionally people get mad. If only we could teach people the right thing to get mad at maybe we can make a difference!
2021-05-1344 min
Wildlife for YouAnimal Emotions... can our furry friends be happy or sad?Can animals have emotions? It’s fun to think about but boy is it hard to explain!
2021-05-0737 min
Wildlife for YouBear Attack ReminderWhenever a bear attack occurs it’s best if we take a step back and breathe. It is best to better understand the situation before making knee-jerk reactions.
2021-05-0205 min
Wildlife for YouPredator Calls... A Couple Cats Goin’ At It!We all know that those predators are out there but we may not know what they all sound like. You’d be surprised!
2021-05-0150 min
Wildlife for YouRappin’ with the RaptorsMany of us know our birds of prey by sight but how many of you know what they sound like? Listen and learn the vocalizations of our favorite raptor friends.
2021-04-1649 min
Wildlife for YouFrogarific Frogorama!What better way is there to impress the ladies than to know your frog calls! Heck you can even impress the guys to if you like! They are simple and easy to learn, all you have to do is listen.
2021-04-0951 min
Wildlife for YouThe Meal - Predator Feeding StrategiesPredators not only have distinct ways of taking down animals, they also have distinct ways of eating it. Find out how biologist use these clues to determine who’s been feeding.
2021-04-0252 min
Wildlife for YouSeaspiracy... hook, line, and sinker?Some nature documentaries are designed for shock value. They are great for identifying an issue but just make sure you strap on your critical thinking skills ahead of time.
2021-03-281h 06
Wildlife for YouThe Take Down - Predator Attack StrategiesDifferent predators apprehend their quarry in different ways. Wildlife biologists can then use this information to determine what predator was responsible for the kill when discovering a carcass.
2021-03-2644 min
Wildlife for YouThe Kinda Big but Not So Bad WolfWhy do wolves strike fear into the hearts of so many? They’re pretty amazing animals and to learn about them is to love them. Well, at least it should be.
2021-03-1946 min
Wildlife for YouGhost Cat Photos ExplainedWhy do people see cougars even in photos of... well, NOT cougars? Misinterpretations are actually easy to explain.
2021-03-1252 min
Wildlife for YouWinging it!Often times we try too hard to teach people about Mother Nature, sometimes we need to let her teach us. She’s pretty smart ya’ know.
2021-03-0541 min
Wildlife for YouChronic Wasting DiseaseNot everything about wildlife is peaches and cream. Sometimes bad things happen in Nature and we just have to let them run its course.
2021-02-2648 min
Wildlife for YouThe Masked Bandit Rides Again!We’ll take a deep dive into the world of raccoons and discover how truly smart they are... much smarter than cats!
2021-02-1933 min
Wildlife for YouAnimal Intelligence - why dogs are so much smarter than cats!It is often said some animals are smarter than others, now if only we knew what the heck that even means.
2021-02-1246 min
Wildlife for YouWhat did the Fox Say?We promise we will not bring that up as we discuss the wonderful world of foxes.
2021-02-0530 min
Wildlife for YouIt’s a Bird, it’s a Plane... Nope, just a BuzzardVultures, often called buzzards in North America, are some pretty cool and interesting birds. Listen and find out why!
2021-01-2834 min
Wildlife for YouStudent Wildlands Adventure ProgramLearn all there is to know about the SWAP program and why it is such an amazing non-profit.
2021-01-2638 min
Wildlife for YouThem Pesky Squirrels!Many people have issues with what they call nuisance wildlife. Animals are often being animals, they probably think humans are the biggest nuisance species of them all.
2021-01-2237 min
Wildlife for YouThe Nose, the Glorious Nose... bear nose that is.Bears have an insanely powerful sense of smell. Understanding how strong it truly is, is often the key to understanding what makes them tick.
2021-01-1731 min
Wildlife for YouPlaying PossumThe good ol’ Virginia opossum... there’s much to them than just roadkill. We need these guys!
2021-01-1333 min
Wildlife for YouDon’t be a Bird Brain... Take care of your Backyard BirdsFeeding birds is a commitment and responsibility... a responsibility to the birds. Find out how to keep your feathered friends healthy.
2021-01-1042 min
Wildlife for YouBrown Bears - the Danger FactorEveryone is enamored with brown bears, also known as grizzlies. Though they may seem dangerous and scary, it may not always be their fault.
2021-01-0837 min
Wildlife for YouUrban Legends from Old Man JohnsonWe take an in depth look at some of the most famous wildlife-related urban legends. Sorry grandpa but you may not like this one.
2021-01-041h 02
Wildlife for YouCryptozoology - the Big Three: Nessie, Yetis, and Bigfoot.We dive into the world of cryptozoology. We discuss the science of the science.
2020-12-3034 min
Wildlife for YouEagles - the Golden and Bald monarchs of the sky.This episode takes a deep dive into North America’s two well-known eagles species, the Golden and the Bald. It is everything you wanted to know, and even some things you didn’t want to know about these majestic birds.
2020-12-2725 min
Wildlife for YouLoving Wildlife to DeathIt’s great to love wildlife, in fact we encourage it. Just make sure you know the right way to do it and that you don’t “love wildlife to death.”
2020-12-2432 min
Wildlife for YouWho’s battier now? The basics about bats!Bats in North America are an extremely important species. We need to do all we can to educate ourselves on and to help maintain these precious insect eaters.
2020-12-2136 min
Wildlife for YouWhy did that bear have to be put down?The “why” questions are often the toughest to answer but we do our best to explain those trickier situations. They are not always easy decisions.
2020-12-1839 min
Wildlife for YouOh Dear... the deer of North America.In this episode we discuss the two primary deer species in North America, whitetails and blacktails, otherwise known as mule deer. We save elk, moose, and Caribou for another time.
2020-12-1236 min
Wildlife for YouBergmann’s Rule and other sciencey things.This episode helps explain why some animals are big and some animals are lanky.
2020-12-1119 min
Wildlife for YouWinter Wonderland... Surviving the snow and bitter cold.Animals have developed some fascinating survival techniques that help carry them through the winter. Find out with some critters do to survive the snow.
2020-12-0749 min
Wildlife for YouWoodchucks and other rats…Yes I lost!We take an in-depth look at woodchucks and other members of the rodent family. Yes, some can be classified as cute!
2020-12-0231 min
Wildlife for YouGood -vs- Bad WildlifeWhat makes some wildlife good and others bad? It’s not on them, it’s on us.
2020-12-0231 min
Wildlife for YouWiley Coyote... Super GeniusCoyotes love-hate relationship with people is often misunderstood so we take a somewhat in-depth look at the biology and behavior of these wonderful predators.
2020-11-2335 min
Wildlife for YouZoonoses: Be careful around those cute critters!We take a quick peek into those wildlife diseases that can sometimes be transmitted to humans. It’s rare but you do have to be careful.
2020-11-2044 min
Wildlife for YouThe Outlaw Series: Wildlife ProfiteeringWatch out! There are a lot of unscrupulous folks out there, or as Stephanne puts it ass-clowns, who care more about the money than the wildlife. Do your homework before supporting them!
2020-11-1633 min
Wildlife for YouThe Outlaw Series: PoachingWildlife poaching is a huge issue, not just in those far away places but right here in North America.
2020-11-0940 min
Wildlife for YouKeystone CapersKeystone species and the intricate role they play in ecosystems. We were in rare form tonight!
2020-11-0529 min
Wildlife for YouIt’s not the SIZE that matters... it’s the WORDS!!!Wildlife biologists need to choose their words wisely when talking to the public. It’s one of the only tools we have to influence people.
2020-10-2730 min
Wildlife for YouEven those weird looking offspring can be cool!Genetic adaptations may be weird at first but they may give some animals a leg up. That could be a good thing!
2020-10-2132 min
Wildlife for YouThe crazy cougar from Utah... explained.The viral video of the cougar defending her cubs is broken down to explain what was really going on.
2020-10-1542 min
Wildlife for YouEcological Vigilance - why ass-whoopin’s are good for ecosystemsPredators on the landscape can help strengthen ecosystems by simply changing the behavior of their prey.
2020-10-1343 min
Wildlife for YouBlack panthers and eastern cougars... the truth!There’s a simple reason why there are so many panther and cougars sightings in the east but you ain’t gonna like it!
2020-10-0753 min
Wildlife for YouHibernation, hyperphagia, and other geeky bio terms.Do black bears really hibernate? Of course they do!
2020-10-0233 min
Wildlife for You“Grizzly Man” ConsequencesA deep dive into the consequences of Treadwell-like behaviors.
2020-10-0257 min
2020-09-2914 min
Wildlife for YouBruno the Wandering BearBruno the bruin (bear) has captured the hearts and minds of thousands. In this episode we discuss Bruno's history, behavior, and future outlook.
2020-09-2117 min
2020-09-2100 min