UNTAMED Season 3


#301 - From Rescue to Release

While the goal of wildlife rehabilitation is to restore wild animals to health and release them back into their natural habitats, it takes incredible efforts from many invested people to make it possible. From the individual who cared enough to stop and find help for an injured wild animal, to volunteer transporters, wildlife rehabilitators, veterinarians who provide medical assistance, and more – it truly “takes a village” to help a wild animal in need. Learn more about the entire wildlife rehabilitation process that takes place at the Wildlife Center of Virginia, a hospital for wildlife that treats more than 3,000 wild animals each year.

#302 - Habitat Islands and Wildlife Corridors

Habitat islands are areas of various sizes which should contain all the necessities for a certain species or multiple species of wildlife to survive and thrive. But too often these islands are not large enough to provide long-term support for the animals who live within. Surrounding these islands exist areas not hospitable to wildlife, and wildlife which naturally venture beyond the confines of their habitats are often at risk of conflict with humans and/or human development. The concept of wildlife corridors has become a way to direct animal movement away from, or safely through, dangers caused by humans. As human beings continue to dominate the landscape, habitat islands and wildlife corridors will become increasingly necessary for the survival of our many wild species.

#303 - Teaching the World: Non-releasable Animal Ambassadors

The goal of wildlife rehabilitation is to release healthy, recovered animals back to their natural habitats, as fully functioning wild animals. But what happens when animals can’t be released? Sometimes, they may be suitable for a new job: an education ambassador. This episode highlights the selection criteria and welfare considerations that are essential to determine if an animal is a good candidate as an animal ambassador. Wildlife ambassadors play a significant role in education, by connecting people to wildlife and conservation issues and inspiring thousands of people world-wide to take action to protect wildlife.

#304 - Conservation and Public Policy

This episode highlights the importance of policy action surrounding natural resources and conservation issues, and offers a brief review of past conservation legislation. The North American Wildlife Model ensures that wildlife are property of the public; the decision-making process surrounding wildlife and natural resources is one built on – and for – public involvement. Learn about how these decisions are made, and most importantly, how to get involved.

#305 -Outdoor Ethics

Spending time outside and connecting with nature and wildlife can be a great joy for many people. That privilege of being outdoors comes with a great responsibility: learning and abiding by a proper set of “outdoor ethics”. By understanding the effects of all of your actions, and doing your best to prevent those actions from having negative consequences on wildlife and the environment, you are being a responsible recreationist. Knowing that you are a guest in the wild, and in the homes of wild animals, is a great first step in curating a positive outdoor ethic.

#306 - Emerging Wildlife Diseases

Where do diseases come from? How are they spread? This episode examines a variety of emerging wildlife diseases, with an emphasis on the One Health concept. While some disease outbreaks may be “natural”, human behaviors and influences are adding additional pressure to wildlife and the landscape, and in the end, all of us – humans, wildlife, and the environment – are affected. Learn more about the field of emerging wildlife diseases and the continually evolving research on what those diseases tell us.

#307 - Careers

The range of career paths that lead to working with wildlife is about as varied as the actual wildlife all around us. This episode features several different people working with or for wildlife, highlighting a collection of stories from their daily lives. Learn more about how to find a career – or volunteer job! – in this field, including the range of backgrounds and education paths that can lead people to working with wildlife. Even with a diversity of people, organizations and agencies, roles and responsibilities, a number of these professionals work together for a common goal of helping protect wildlife and the environment.

#308 - Reconnecting with Nature

The season finale emphasizes the importance of getting outside and cultivating a relationship with nature. While there’s an increasing divide between people and the outdoors, we know that deep connections with nature is important to a human’s well-being. Why do we need this connection? What does nature and wildlife do for us? Join us to hear what connections these individuals have with the outdoor world -- how and why they are connected with nature, and how we can help others continue to grow and develop their relationships with the outdoor world.