Science Uncorked: The Truth About Wolves with Becca Sue Burkhalter

Friday, July 11th, 2025 from 6 pm to 8 pm
Science Uncorked: The Truth About Wolves
Presented by Becca Sue Burkhalter of Colorado Wild
We will cover the history, current events, and ecology of wolves, followed by a presentation of the science behind coexistence. Did you know that killing wolves in response to dead livestock is likely to actually INCREASE the chances of another livestock animal taken by wolves? Did you know that the research shows us that coexisting with wolves is actually the most effective and efficient way to protect livestock from wolves? If that seems counter-intuitive, come learn why with Colorado Wild and Becca Sue.
The war on wolves has been waged for hundreds of years and continues today. Historically, there were about 2 million wolves in the lower 48 at one time, but due to deliberate, systematic extermination by humans, merely 300 remained by 1960. Today, the war continues. Even though we only have a few thousand left, we have lost thousands of wolves in the past three years, even losing over 25% of our “protected” Yellowstone wolves. This presentation will present the data scientists have collected over decades in support of carnivores and coexistence. “What is a wolf, really?,” “What is happening in Colorado today with wolves?,” and, “How can we help livestock producers shoulder the cost of coexistence?” and more will be answered.
Becca Sue Burkhalter earned her ecology degree from the University of North Texas. She has worked with wild canids and wolfdogs in captivity for 6 years. She has always loved wolves, but fell in love when she started volunteering at wolf/wolfdog rescues as an animal caretaker. She is proud to represent Colorado Wild — a nonprofit that seeks to connect science, ethics, and advocacy. We know that the only way forward is together, join the howl with us July 11th!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1371632091509?aff=oddtdtcreator