About this episode
In this episode of Beyond the Wild, host Ron Hayes and Jason Loftus welcome wildlife photographer Julia Cook. Julia has accomplished more in five years than many wildlife photography enthusiasts, and she shares her journey into wildlife photography, her experiences in Yellowstone, and the differences in bear behavior between Yellowstone and Katmai. Jason and Julia discuss their recent trip to Churchill, Canada, where they experienced incredible polar bear encounters. The conversation also highlights Julia’s personal experiences with wildlife photography projects, including the release of black-footed ferrets. Join us for this enjoyable episode and see how fast Julia became “hooked” on wildlife photography. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:05 Wildlife Photography Beginnings 03:58 Experiences in Churchill 06:50 Polar Bear Encounters 09:54 Evening Activities and Aurora 13:03 Guided Tours and Bear Sightings 15:52 Julia's Journey in Wildlife Photography 18:58 Guiding in Yellowstone 20:50 Summer Adventures and Outdoor Experiences 21:45 Memorable Wildlife Encounters 22:58 The Elusive Wolverine 26:00 Grizzly Bears: A Passion for Photography 28:09 First Encounters with Grizzly Bears 29:34 Safety in Bear Country 30:25 Research and Photography in Katmai 31:51 Understanding Bear Behavior 37:40 Citizen Science and Bear Identification 39:43 Upcoming Projects and Workshops 45:00 Conservation Efforts and Breeding Programs 48:27 Wildlife Encounters and Personal Experiences 50:28 Future Wildlife Adventures and Aspirations 53:56 Wildlife Photography and Unique Sightings 57:58 Traveling for Wildlife and Cultural Experiences 01:01:59 Reflections on Wildlife and Community Engagement Links Instagram: @juliacookwildlife Website: www.juliacookwildlife.com Thanks for tuning in to the Beyond the Wild Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe to stay notified about upcoming episodes for your listening and viewing pleasure! Beyond the Wild Podcast is sponsored by Pictureline.com and Canon USA.