Higher Calling Wildlife

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Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.

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Podcast, Sharks

Shark Attack At South Padre!

July 5, 2024 Chester Moore Leave a comment

On July 4, 2024, several individuals were reportedly injured by a shark off the southern coast of Texas at South Padre Island according to a report from ABC News.

Here’s what we know about this shark attack.

*Four separate incidents involving a single shark were reported according to the ABC report.

*The ABC report said Texas Game Warden Capt. Chris Dowdy confirmed that the incidents included two bites, a grazing, and an injury while fending off the shark. A press statement from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) said details at this time indicate that two people were bitten and two people “encountered” the shark but were not seriously injured. What does an encounter mean? Was it indeed a grazing or a strike from fending off the shark?

You can read the full report at www.gulfgreatwhites.com.

And while you’re at it please subscribe to that blog. It’s where the bulk of my shark content will be placed.

Also, I recorded a special mini-edition of Dark Outdoors the podcast to go deeper. It has some exclusive info and I dig into other rare multi-victim attacks on the Gulf Coast.

Also, we just posted another Dark Outdoors episode about a terrifying encounter in the dunes at High Island, TX.

Click here or on the icon below to listen or subscribe via iHeartradio, Apple Podcats or Spotify.

Chester Moore

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Jan. 2025 Update: Photographic proof of cougars in East Texas. Click here to see the photos and read our story.

Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.

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Higher Calling Wildlife

Meeting A Cougar In Seventh Grade

July 2, 2024 Chester Moore 2 Comments

During the winter, my favorite after school hobby in seventh grade was to go rabbit hunting on the railroad tracks behind our house.

Despite being surrounded by woods and rice fields, we were in the city limits so I had to carry a pellet gun for legal purposes.

It was a .20 caliber Sheridan which was as powerful as a .22 at short distances so it made a perfect rabbit gun in an environment where stealth was the key.

I was taught we only killed what we would eat and our family loved eat fresh rabbit. (It’s good folks!)

I had plans to cross through this particular field and look for rabbits along the edge of the trees but then I heard something.

There was no wind, so anything that moved made sounds in the dry leaves and dying grass and I thought I heard faint footsteps in the brush. I took a position beside a tallow tree, raised my gun and clicked off the safety.

My heart pounded as a large cougar walked slowly out of the brush and into the field. It had a medium-brown coat, a long tail as big around as my fist and a muscular, chiseled frame.

I was fascinated than scared as the cat turned around and looked me directly in the eye. It was a look of complete confidence almost as if it was saying that I was going to need something bigger than this Sheridan pellet gun to do it in.

The author got to go with Texas Parks & Wildlife to put radio collars on baby cougars in South Texas when he was in college.

The cat then turned and slowly made its way over a levee.

Once I knew it was gone I ran. Running from predators is never a good idea because it excites them so I waited until it was out of my line of vision and took off.

I flung our door open and shouted, “Cougar!”

Mom and Dad believed me right away because I was already an expert at wildlife identification but they suggested I call our neighbors down the road who had a cougar named “Sandy” for a pet. This cat was bigger than “Sandy” but I called anyway.

“Hey Cher, did Sandy get loose?”

“Hold on Chester, let me check.”

“Nope, she’s on the runner in the back yard. Why?”

“I just saw a cougar back on the railroad tracks. It was bigger than Sandy but I wanted to check anyway.”

“Oh that must be the male. She went into heat last month and a male was calling out to her at night from back there.”

Amazing!

Some “experts” will tell you there are no cougars in East Texas, but there certainly was one standing in front of me when I was in seventh grade.

My encounter cemented a love for cougars and for the proper management of their species in the ecosystem.

If you have had an exciting cougar sighting in Texas or have a photo or video of a cougar from anywhere email to chester@chestermoore.com. We want to share them in a future feature on this extremely popular topic.

Chester Moore

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Higher Calling Wildlife, Uncategorized

Moose Mission Kicks Off In Colorado!

July 1, 2024 Chester Moore Leave a comment

Moose are some of the most incredible animals in North America.

These massive creatures face numerous challenges, and it’s crucial to raise awareness about what’s going on with them.

While not anywhere near endangered or threatened there are issues that need a deeper examination.

Moose are primarily found in the northern parts of the United States, and Canada thriving in cold climates and forested areas. Warming temperatures, particularly in parts of their range, have disrupted their natural habitats.

Declining water sources in some areas are causing moose problems. (Photo by Caden)

This has manifested in an explosion of tick infestations. Warmer winters mean more ticks survive, leading to higher infestations. These parasites can weaken moose, making them more susceptible to diseases and reducing their chances of survival, especially in calves. One moose was verified to have more than 100,000 ticks on it.

Habitat loss is another pressing concern. As urban areas expand and forests are cleared for development, moose lose their natural habitats. This not only forces them into closer contact with humans, leading to more moose-human conflicts but also increases the likelihood of encounters with dogs, which can be dangerous for both the animals and humans involved.

Mule deer like moose which share much of the same habitat in Colorado have been impacted by increasing wolves and bears in certain areas. (Photo by Bellamy)

In regions like Yellowstone, the reintroduction of wolves has had a negative impact on moose numbers. While wolves play a role in ecosystems, their predation pressure on moose has contributed to declining populations in some areas.

In 2024, my wife, Lisa and I will lead an expedition in Colorado to give kids the opportunity to photograph wildlife and we had a great opportunity to photograph a bull moose.

Higher Calling Wildlife® aims to teach kids how to use photography as a tool for wildlife conservation, fostering a deeper connection with nature and raising awareness of conservation issues.

This expedition is also the launch of Lisa’s “Moose Mission” project. Inspired by a 2019 encounter with a moose in Colorado, Lisa developed a profound respect for the species and felt compelled to help them.

“That encounter made me realize just how majestic and vulnerable these animals are. I knew I had to find a way to contribute to their conservation.”

Through the Moose Mission, we hope to shed light on the various challenges moose face and encourage more people to get involved in conservation efforts. By educating the next generation about the importance of preserving wildlife, we can inspire them to take action and make a difference.

We enjoyed our time in the Colorado wild with a wonderful family who took to wildlife photography and we could tell had a deep appreciation for wildlife.

Their photographic efforts shown here are helping people learn more about moose conservation. We can’t thank them enough.

And thank you for joining us in this mission. Stay tuned for updates from the field and stories from the young photographers who are making a difference. Together, we can make a significant impact on wildlife conservation.

Chester Moore

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Higher Calling Wildlife

Conserving Mule Deer: Challenges and Conservation Efforts

June 29, 2024 Chester Moore Leave a comment

Mule deer, iconic residents of the Western United States, Northern Mexico and Southern Canada, face an increasingly challenging landscape as human activities and natural factors threaten their populations.

One significant issue impacting mule deer is the fragmentation and loss of their traditional migration corridors.

These corridors are vital for their seasonal movements between summer and winter habitats, allowing them to find suitable forage and avoid harsh weather conditions.

However, as human development expands, these corridors are often disrupted or completely cut off, forcing deer into less favorable habitats or preventing them from accessing critical resources.

Efforts to mitigate this threat include the establishment of wildlife crossings. These structures, such as overpasses and underpasses, allow these deer and other wildlife to safely traverse roads and highways, reducing the risk of collisions with vehicles and reconnecting fragmented habitats.

Wildlife crossings have proven effective in various regions, helping to restore natural movement patterns and reduce stress on mule deer populations.

Another emerging threat to mule deer comes from increasing predator populations, particularly wolves, whose reintroduction in some areas has led to predation pressures on deer populations.

Additionally, mule deer face competition for resources from elk and whitetail deer, further impacting their access to food and habitat.

Despite these challenges, mule deer populations across their range are generally stable, but proactive conservation efforts are crucial to ensuring their long-term survival.

Hunter-conservationist groups like The Mule Deer Foundation have done much to advocate for habitat restoration and wildlife crossings.

Higher Calling Wildlife® recently collaborated with children from Colorado, engaging them in photographing mule deer to raise awareness to the importance of conservation and the challenges these animals face.

I was honored to work with the children from Colorado to capture stunning photographs of mule deer. The photos you see here were taken by the four awesome kids from the Schumaker family and highlight the beauty of these animals.

By addressing threats such as habitat fragmentation, predation, and competition from other species, and by promoting initiatives like wildlife crossings we can ensure that mule deer continue to thrive across their expansive range.

Through education, advocacy, and collaborative efforts, we can conserve their natural heritage for generations to come.

It was a true honor and privilege to work with kids who have a heart for wildlife and wild places.

Chester Moore

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Uncategorized

Higher Calling Wildlife Sets Out On “I Love Ewe” Expedition

June 24, 2024 Chester Moore Leave a comment

Higher Calling Wildlife®, an outreach initiative by Children’s Kingdom Ministries, founded by wildlife journalist Chester Moore, is set to embark on an impactful expedition for the sake of children and wildlife in Colorado.

From June 24-28, children facing significant challenges, such as critical illness and traumatic loss, will have the opportunity to engage in wildlife photography, capturing the beauty of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and other wildlife such as elk, moose, marmots, mule deer and wild turkeys.

This initiative, known as the “I Love Ewe” Expedition, aims to raise awareness about wildlife conservation, especially the critical role of bighorn ewes and lambs in the ecosystem.

“The number one threat to bighorn sheep is disease that is transferred through contact with domestic and exotic sheep and goats. We will be emphasizing photography of ewes and lambs to show their beauty and to let people know the lambs in particular are hit hard when disease hits a herd,” Moore said.

“Plus, with the name play of the project we wanted the young people we are working with to know they are loved and valued.”

The “I Love Ewe” Expedition is designed to inspire and educate children who face unique life challenges, showing them that great things can still happen in their lives. Participants will be mentored in photography, learning to use this powerful medium to promote conservation awareness.

The photos taken by these young photographers will be featured in the 2024 edition of Higher Calling Wildlife® magazine, shining a light on conservation and the resilience of these children.

“Our goal is to empower these children, helping them to see that despite their challenges, they have the ability to make a significant impact. By using photography to tell the story of the bighorn sheep, they are contributing to a greater cause and learning valuable skills that can inspire others,” Moore said.

Higher Calling Wildlife® invites the community to support and follow the journey of these young conservationists as they embark on this transformative adventure through the outreach’s Facebook page.

“Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these children and the future of our wildlife,” Moore said.

This expedition is funded in part by the Houston Safari Club Foundation and private donors. Educational materials were provided by The Wild Sheep Foundation.

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