January Nature Night: Wolves in Central Oregon

Wolves are one of North America’s most iconic animals, occupying a unique and complex role in the natural world. Join Deschutes Land Trust and wildlife biologist Aaron Bott to take a closer look at wolves and how they interact with the landscape of Central Oregon. In the last few decades, Oregon has experienced the gradual recolonization of wolves, representing a notable shift in natural systems. These top predators are deeply connected to the lands they inhabit and the other animals that sustain them, exerting influences that are both small and far-reaching. Aaron will explore wolf biology and ecology, focusing on their natural history, adaptations, and roles and behaviors in the natural world within the context of Oregon’s recovering wolf population.

Aaron Bott is a wolf biologist employed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. He is also a Wildlife Biology doctoral candidate at Utah State University. His research focuses on wolf social behavior, predation patterns, and developing innovative non-lethal techniques to mitigate conflicts with livestock. Aaron began working with wolves while pursuing a Master’s degree with the Yellowstone Wolf Project, eventually conducting a multi-year field study monitoring wolves in the park’s remote interior. Aaron was born and raised in the Rocky Mountains before moving to Central Oregon.