Drive through parts of the Hill Country and South Texas and you might encounter axis deer, blackbuck antelope or other animals originating thousands of miles from the Lone Star State. But could something much larger and more dangerous occasionally escape into the Texas wilds?
Could African lions and other exotic cats be roaming Texas?
It’s a question I’ve considered for years while investigating reports of unusual cats across Texas and other parts of the South. Most strange-cat sightings probably have much more conventional explanations. Mountain lions can appear in unexpected places, bobcats can look surprisingly large under the right circumstances and eyewitness identification is never perfect.
But some reports are much harder to explain.
Hear the Investigation on Dark Outdoors®
I recently explored one of the strangest big-cat accounts ever brought to me, along with giant cat tracks and other unusual sightings, on Dark Outdoors®.
Listen: “He Found an African Lion in His Chicken Coop in Texas”
One of the strangest accounts ever brought to me came from a Texas man who said he walked outside and discovered an enormous cat in his chicken coop.
What he described wasn’t a mountain lion. He believed he was looking at an African lion.
There was no DNA test or other definitive evidence to prove the animal’s identity, so this case has to remain exactly what it is: an extraordinary eyewitness account. But it raises an interesting wildlife question.
Texas has a tremendous amount of privately held exotic wildlife. While most discussions involve exotic hoofed animals, large exotic cats have also been kept in captivity in the state. If one escaped or was released, how long could it survive?
And how quickly would anyone know it was there?
Big Cats Can Be Hard to Find
Anyone familiar with mountain lions understands just how elusive a large predator can be. A big cat can travel tremendous distances, move largely under the cover of darkness and live surprisingly close to people without being regularly detected.
Photo by Chester Moore
Texas also offers enormous expanses of suitable hiding places, from the thick forests of East Texas to river bottoms, coastal marshes, South Texas brush country and sprawling ranches.
That doesn’t mean prides of African lions are secretly living in Texas. There is no evidence for anything remotely like that. The more reasonable question is whether individual exotic cats have occasionally escaped or been released and survived in the wild for some period of time.
That’s a very different proposition.
What About the Other Mystery Cats?
I’ve investigated unusual cat reports for decades, and not all of them involve animals described as lions.
Some people report exceptionally large cats. Others describe unusual coloration or physical characteristics that don’t seem to fit what they expect from a mountain lion or bobcat. I’ve also personally investigated enormous cat tracks that raised some fascinating questions.
Tracks aren’t proof by themselves. Mud can enlarge an impression, overlapping tracks can create strange shapes and photographs can make judging scale difficult. Any responsible investigation has to consider those possibilities.
But unusual tracks combined with credible eyewitness reports are worth investigating rather than simply dismissing.
Evidence Is What Matters
There is a big difference between asking whether an exotic cat could be roaming Texas and claiming that one is.
Photographs and video are valuable. Clear tracks can provide additional clues. Hair, scat or other biological material could potentially provide much stronger evidence, particularly if DNA analysis were possible.
Until that kind of evidence exists in an individual case, these reports should be treated as reports—not confirmed animals. That doesn’t make them uninteresting. In fact, that’s exactly why I continue investigating them.
Texas is big enough, wild enough and has enough exotic wildlife that unusual animals sometimes turn up where they aren’t supposed to be.
Does that mean every report of a mystery cat is an escaped exotic? Certainly not. But could an African lion or another exotic cat occasionally escape into the Texas wilds and remain undetected for a time?
That’s a question worth investigating.
Chester Moore
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If you spend enough time around old-school outdoorsmen, sooner or later you will hear somebody call a skunk a “polecat.”
But the plains spotted skunk is neither a polecat in the Old World sense nor anything remotely related to a cat. It is a true skunk—and one of the most interesting and increasingly difficult-to-find little predators on the American landscape.
Now the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is taking another look at its future.
The Service announced in July that it completed a 90-day finding on a petition seeking protection for the plains spotted skunk under the Endangered Species Act. The finding does not mean the animal has been listed as threatened or endangered. It means the petition contained enough substantial new information to warrant a more extensive 12-month status review.
USFWS Photo
That distinction is important.
In 2023, the USFWS determined that federal listing was not warranted based on the scientific and commercial information available at the time. According to the new finding, however, more recent information suggests plains spotted skunks may occupy a smaller distribution than previously believed or exist at very low numbers across portions of the Great Plains.
That was enough to reopen the question.
Not Your Typical Skunk
Most people who have spent time in the country know the striped skunk. They are relatively common, readily show up around roads, farms and rural neighborhoods, and occasionally announce their presence without ever being seen.
Spotted skunks are different.
They are considerably smaller and more slender than the familiar striped skunk. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department information describes spotted skunks as the smallest skunks, with males typically weighing less than two pounds and females around a pound. Their black-and-white pattern is also far more complex than the broad stripes of the common striped skunk.
Striped skunk (Photo by Faith Moore)
They are also famous for one of the strangest defensive displays in North American wildlife.
When threatened, spotted skunks can rise onto their front feet into an almost handstand-like position, pointing their hindquarters toward the threat before deploying the chemical defense that makes the skunk family famous.
Spotted skunk (Public Domain Photo)
Seeing one is memorable.
I have been fortunate enough to see a spotted skunk in the Texas Hill Country, and it was one of those wildlife encounters that immediately stood out. I have seen plenty of striped skunks over the years. A spotted skunk is something different altogether.
Where Are They Going?
The plains spotted skunk currently occurs in portions of Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service.
Texas Parks and Wildlife includes the plains spotted skunk among the state’s Species of Greatest Conservation Need. It is not currently federally or state listed in Texas, but its state conservation rank reflects significant concern over its status.
And that is what makes the new federal review worth watching.
The question isn’t whether spotted skunks have completely disappeared from the Great Plains. They haven’t. The question is how many remain, how widely they are distributed and whether their populations have declined enough to require federal protection.
During the 12-month review, USFWS will evaluate threats and consider the best available scientific and commercial information. Ultimately, the Service can determine that listing is warranted, not warranted, or warranted but precluded by higher-priority listing actions.
The agency is also requesting information from researchers, wildlife agencies and the public that could help establish a clearer picture of the species’ status.
A Little Predator Worth Watching
Big predators get most of the attention in wildlife conservation.
Wolves, bears and mountain lions generate headlines. A little black-and-white carnivore weighing a pound or two can disappear from parts of its range with far less public notice.
That doesn’t make the story less important.
The plains spotted skunk is part of the incredible diversity of predators native to America’s grasslands, woodlands and rural landscapes. It is a reminder that some of our most fascinating wildlife can live practically under our noses while remaining almost completely unseen.
The federal review should help answer an important question: Is the plains spotted skunk simply difficult to detect, or are there truly far fewer of them than there used to be?
For those of us fortunate enough to have encountered one, there is no mistaking how different these little “polecats” are from the striped skunks we commonly see.
And despite the nickname, there isn’t a cat involved at all.
The plains spotted skunk is simply one of America’s smallest, strangest and increasingly mysterious native carnivores.
Chester Moore
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The New World screwworm is usually discussed as a livestock threat, but wildlife has plenty at stake. The parasite’s larvae invade wounds and feed on living tissue, meaning deer, wild sheep and other warm-blooded wildlife can become hosts without anyone knowing an animal is infected until it is too late.
We’ve already seen how serious that can become. During the 2016 outbreak in the Florida Keys, endangered Key deer suffered significant losses. Now, with screwworm once again a threat in the United States, an intriguing question is emerging: Could genetics eventually help fight it?
That’s the subject of my latest Dark Outdoors podcast, where I speak with Matt James of Colossal Biosciences about genetic technology and its potential role in combating New World screwworm.
There is already a remarkable biological component to screwworm control. The sterile insect technique helped eradicate New World screwworm from the United States in 1966 by releasing huge numbers of sterilized male flies. When wild females mate with them, they produce no viable offspring.
Today, scientists are looking at whether genetics could take that concept further. USDA has developed NovoFly™, a genetically engineered screwworm strain designed to improve production of males for sterile insect releases. Researchers are also examining more advanced concepts that could potentially interfere with screwworm reproduction.
That doesn’t mean genetically engineered flies are going to replace established eradication methods tomorrow. Any technology capable of affecting a wild population deserves serious scientific and ecological scrutiny.
But the possibilities are fascinating.
A Wildlife Conservation Question
For wildlife, screwworm presents challenges that livestock producers don’t face. Ranchers can inspect cattle and treat wounds. Nobody is checking every whitetail buck injured during the rut or every wild sheep ram wounded while fighting.
That becomes especially concerning with threatened or endangered populations. Losing a relatively small number of animals can have consequences when the entire population is already limited.
Genetic technology is increasingly becoming part of the conservation conversation, from preserving endangered wildlife genetics to potentially using biotechnology against the parasites threatening them.
Could the next major advance in protecting wildlife come not only from what we do on the landscape, but from what scientists develop in the laboratory?
That’s the question Matt James and I explore on the award-winning Dark Outdoors® podcast.
For more stories on dangerous wildlife, emerging threats, strange encounters and the darker side of the natural world, visit the Dark Outdoors blog.
Chester Moore
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I’ve spent a lot of time pursuing wildlife stories across North America.
From alligators in Louisiana swamps to desert bighorn sheep in the Southwest, from the marshes of the Texas coast to the high country of the Rocky Mountains, I’ve been blessed to witness some incredible things. I’ve spent years researching and documenting great white sharks, including encounters along the Pacific Coast and off Cape Cod. I’ve photographed wildlife in places ranging from remote mountain ranges to coastal ecosystems and have dedicated much of my life to telling the stories of wild animals and the people who care about them.
But if someone asked me where I’ve had the highest concentration of memorable wildlife encounters in the Lower 48, my answer would come without hesitation.
This bison almost trampled me while I was focused on something moving in the distance in the Lamar Valley.
Lamar Valley in Yellowstone National Park.
Known by many as the “Serengeti of North America,” Lamar Valley is located in Yellowstone’s northeast corner and follows the Lamar River through a vast landscape of grasslands, sagebrush flats, river bottoms, and mountain slopes. What makes it unique isn’t just the wildlife—it’s the scale.
Most people hear the word “valley” and imagine a relatively small area. Lamar Valley is anything but small. The broader Lamar wildlife corridor stretches roughly 29 miles from the Tower area toward Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance. The valley itself forms one of the largest open wildlife-viewing landscapes in Yellowstone, creating opportunities to observe wildlife behavior on a scale rarely found anywhere else in the continental United States.
Nothing cuter than a “red dog” or baby bison.
Unlike many wildlife destinations where animals disappear into dense forests, Lamar’s open terrain allows visitors to watch wildlife across tremendous distances. It is one of the few places left in America where you can sit in one location and potentially observe multiple iconic wildlife species during a single morning.
The valley’s history is deeply connected to Yellowstone itself. Long before the creation of Yellowstone National Park in 1872, Native American tribes traveled through and hunted the region. Later came mountain men, trappers, explorers, and early tourists. As wildlife populations declined across much of the West, Yellowstone became one of the last great refuges for many species.
Look close and you will see this badger that keep ducking in and out of cover near us in the Lamar Valley a few years ago.
Today, Lamar Valley remains one of the most important wildlife strongholds in North America.
I’ve seen that firsthand.
One of the most incredible wildlife behaviors I’ve ever witnessed happened there and involved an animal many Yellowstone visitors overlook.
Pronghorns.
I once watched two bucks engaged in a fierce rutting battle. Their horns clashed repeatedly as they pushed, twisted, and maneuvered against one another for dominance. I watched them for more than an hour before finally leaving.
Later, I returned.
They were still fighting.
A few hours after that, I came back again.
They were still at it.
More than three hours after I first saw them, those two animals were still locked in one of the most intense wildlife contests I’ve ever witnessed. It remains one of the most impressive displays of endurance and determination I have ever seen in the wild.
Lamar Valley is also famous for wolves.
The controversial reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone in 1995 remains a topic of debate among wildlife managers, ranchers, hunters, and conservationists. Regardless of where someone stands on the issue, wolves have become one of the valley’s signature species.
During one of my visits, I was fortunate enough to photograph wolves in Lamar Valley. Seeing a wild wolf moving through that landscape is certainly an unforgettable experience.
I’ve also seen grizzly bears there, another species that immediately commands attention whenever it appears. Watching a grizzly move through the valley reminds you quickly that Yellowstone remains one of the last truly wild places in America.
Then there are the bison.
Every visit seems to include unforgettable encounters with these iconic animals. One of my favorite sights is seeing the young calves that appear each spring. Their reddish coloration has earned them the nickname “red dogs,” and watching them run, play, and interact with the herd against the backdrop of Lamar Valley is one of Yellowstone’s classic wildlife experiences.
I’ve also seen bighorn sheep in the area, another species that never fails to impress. Their presence only adds to the remarkable diversity of wildlife found within the valley and surrounding mountains.
Lamar Valley has also become an important part of the outreach work we do through Higher Calling Wildlife.
Over the years, we’ve brought young people from our programs into Yellowstone and introduced them to wildlife on a scale many never imagined possible. Watching a child see wild bison, bighorn sheep, or other iconic animals for the first time is every bit as rewarding as the wildlife encounters themselves.
Lamar Valley has also been the setting for some memorable conservation media projects. During one visit, I had the opportunity to film there with my friend Paul Fiesinski of Aptitude Outdoors. Paul does outstanding work highlighting wildlife, conservation, and outdoor adventure, and Lamar Valley provided the perfect backdrop for capturing the kind of authentic wildlife experiences that make Yellowstone so special.
Whether photographing wildlife, filming conservation stories, or mentoring young people through Higher Calling Wildlife, Lamar Valley has repeatedly proven itself to be one of the most inspiring places I’ve ever visited.
Those experiences are a major reason the valley means so much to me.
Wildlife can change lives.
I’ve watched young people develop a passion for conservation after seeing Yellowstone wildlife. I’ve seen photography inspire confidence and purpose. I’ve watched kids who had rarely ventured beyond their hometown suddenly realize there is a much bigger world waiting to be explored.
Lamar Valley has played a role in many of those moments.
But as incredible as wolves, grizzlies, bison, and bighorn sheep are, my favorite Lamar Valley wildlife encounter involved a much smaller animal.
A badger.
For many wildlife enthusiasts, spotting a badger is actually harder than seeing a wolf or a bear. They are secretive, often active during low-light periods, and surprisingly easy to miss.
One day in Lamar Valley, I was fortunate enough to watch one.
There was no crowd gathered around it. No roadside traffic jam. No line of photographers stretching down the highway.
Just a badger going about its business.
To this day, it remains one of my favorite Yellowstone wildlife memories.
Which brings me back to the question: Is there anywhere else in the Lower 48 quite like Lamar Valley?
There are certainly great wildlife destinations. Hayden Valley elsewhere in Yellowstone is outstanding. Grand Teton National Park offers incredible opportunities. Montana’s Rocky Mountain Front is spectacular. The National Elk Refuge near Jackson is world-famous.
But none combine wildlife diversity, visibility, accessibility, and sheer scale quite like Lamar Valley.
In a single day, visitors might see bison, pronghorns, bighorn sheep, grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, coyotes, foxes, badgers, elk, and countless other species.
There may be places that rival Lamar Valley for a particular animal.
But when it comes to the overall wildlife experience, I don’t think there’s another place quite like it in the Lower 48.
Every time I visit Yellowstone, I find myself drawn back there.
Maybe it’s the possibility of seeing a grizzly around the next bend.
Maybe it’s the chance of spotting another badger.
Maybe it’s remembering the kids we’ve brought there through Higher Calling Wildlife and the impact those experiences had on their lives.
Whatever the reason, Lamar Valley has given me more unforgettable wildlife encounters than any place I’ve visited in the continental United States.
And that’s saying something.
Chester Moore
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In early August, we’ll be traveling to Tennessee for a special outreach focused on encouraging children through wildlife, conservation, and inspiration.
As part of this mission, we’ll be giving gift bags to kids in rural communities—simple gifts that can inspire a lifelong love of God’s creation while reminding them that they are seen, valued, and loved.
The first time we gave gifts in the Smoky Mountains was on the North Carolina side and we met this awesome family and gave them cool gift packages while viewing elk.
We’re asking for your help. And we need it because funds are pretty low and we really feel led to put this project together. You have been generous in the past and I believe we can get these items ordered through our readers and by extension you will be blessing these kids and aiming them toward a love of wildlife.
Screenshot
We’ve created an Amazon Wish List filled with affordable items that will go directly into these gift bags. The list includes Tennessee wildlife field guides, plush black bears, wildlife-themed bracelets, educational items, and other small gifts designed to encourage young nature lovers.
These may seem like small things, but we’ve learned over the years that a field guide can ignite a passion for wildlife, a stuffed animal can bring comfort to a child facing challenges, and a simple gift can open the door to conversations that have a lasting impact.
If you’d like to be part of this mission, simply choose one or more items from our Amazon Wish List. They’ll be shipped directly to us so we can prepare the gift bags before we head to Tennessee.
Every purchase, no matter how small, helps us bless another child.
Thank you for partnering with us through Higher Calling Wildlife as we share hope, encourage a love for God’s creation, and invest in the next generation of wildlife conservationists.
We can’t wait to share stories and photos from this Tennessee mission when we return!
Chester Moore
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The gobbler stepped into a small opening just after sunrise.
For a few moments he stood there in the soft morning light, bronze feathers glowing as he moved through the grass. It was a scene repeated thousands of times across America every spring, so common that most people never stop to think about it.
A century ago, seeing a wild turkey in many parts of the United States would have been almost impossible.
A Rio Grande gobbler the author photographed in Kerr County, TX.
The same could be said for elk in numerous Western states. White-tailed deer across much of the country. Wood ducks in many wetlands. Bighorn sheep in numerous mountain ranges. Even iconic species such as the American bison stood on the edge of extinction.
Yet today, Americans routinely encounter wildlife in numbers that would have seemed unimaginable to many conservationists a hundred years ago.
An early Higher Calling Wildlife® expedition involved two of our kids releasing Eastern wild turkeys with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and National Wild Turkey Federation.
As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, there will be plenty of discussion about military victories, political achievements, economic growth, and technological innovation. All of those deserve recognition.
But there is another uniquely American success story that belongs in that conversation.
The recovery of wildlife.
I have spent much of my life pursuing wildlife stories across North America. I’ve photographed bighorn sheep in the Rockies, alligators in Southern swamps, great white sharks off both the Pacific Coast and Cape Cod, and countless species in between. One thing has become clear through those experiences.
Groups like the Wild Sheep Foundation have been instrumental in the recovery of bighorn sheep. The author photographed this big ram near Estes Park, CO.
America is still a nation rich in wildlife.
That may seem like an obvious statement, but it is actually a remarkable achievement.
At the dawn of the twentieth century, the future looked very different.
Market hunting had devastated many species. Habitat loss was accelerating. Conservation laws were limited or nonexistent in many places. Wildlife was often viewed as an unlimited resource, and the consequences were becoming painfully clear.
American bison had been reduced from tens of millions to only a few hundred animals. Wild turkey populations had collapsed. White-tailed deer had disappeared from large portions of their historic range. Waterfowl populations were under severe pressure. Numerous fish species faced declining numbers.
Photo by Chester Moore
Many people believed America’s wildlife abundance was disappearing forever. Instead, something remarkable happened.
Americans decided to do something about it.
One of the most important figures in that movement was Theodore Roosevelt. Long before conservation became a mainstream topic, Roosevelt understood that wildlife required active stewardship. An avid hunter, naturalist, and outdoorsman, he recognized that healthy wildlife populations and healthy habitats were inseparable.
Roosevelt was joined by visionaries such as George Bird Grinnell, Gifford Pinchot, Aldo Leopold, and countless state wildlife professionals whose work helped establish modern conservation principles. Together they promoted a revolutionary idea: wildlife belongs to everyone and should be managed for future generations.
That philosophy eventually evolved into what became known as the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.
The model is uniquely American in many ways. Wildlife is held in trust for the public. Science guides management decisions. Conservation funding is tied directly to those who use and enjoy natural resources. Citizens play an active role in conservation rather than simply observing it from the sidelines. I learned about this as a teenager through my interest not only in wildlife but because of being a hunter and angler.
Happy 4th of July from Chester and Faith Moore.
You see hunters and anglers became central to that effort.
Through license purchases, excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, fishing tackle, and boating equipment, generations of sportsmen and women have contributed billions of dollars toward wildlife management, fisheries conservation, habitat restoration, research, public access, and conservation education.
That contribution cannot be overstated.
But the story is bigger than hunters and anglers alone.
Wildlife biologists dedicated careers to restoring species. Landowners improved habitat. Conservation organizations protected critical landscapes. Volunteers planted trees, restored wetlands, removed invasive species, and supported countless projects. National parks, wildlife refuges, state parks, and public lands became anchors of conservation across the country.
Groups like the Coastal Conservation Association helped restored the redfish after the ravages of commercial harvest.
In many ways, America’s conservation success became a team effort involving millions of people from different backgrounds united by a belief that wildlife mattered.
The results speak for themselves.
White-tailed deer rebounded from historic lows to become one of North America’s most abundant large mammals. Wild turkeys returned to landscapes where they had been absent for generations. Elk populations expanded. Pronghorns recovered. Wood ducks became one of conservation’s greatest comeback stories.
Bighorn sheep, a species especially close to my heart, were restored to mountain ranges where they had disappeared. While challenges remain, there are countless places today where people can see wild sheep because conservationists refused to accept their loss as inevitable.
The same story can be told in America’s waters.
Anglers helped support conservation efforts that benefited striped bass, trout, red drum, largemouth bass, and countless other species. Habitat restoration projects improved rivers, lakes, marshes, and coastal ecosystems. Better science and management helped sustain fisheries that continue to provide recreation and economic benefits for millions of Americans.
And perhaps most importantly, these efforts benefited far more than game species.
When wetlands are restored for waterfowl, countless other birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals benefit. When habitat is protected for deer, elk, or bighorn sheep, entire ecosystems often improve. Conservation rarely helps only one species.
It strengthens the broader landscape.
What makes this story especially meaningful is that it reflects some of America’s best qualities.
Freedom.
Responsibility.
Volunteerism.
Innovation.
Stewardship.
Rather than separating people from wildlife, the American conservation model encourages participation. Citizens are not simply observers. They become stakeholders. They invest in wildlife through their time, money, expertise, and advocacy.
That approach is not perfect. Challenges remain. Habitat fragmentation, invasive species, development pressures, and emerging environmental concerns require ongoing attention.
Conservation is never finished.
But when viewed honestly, America’s record is extraordinary.
Few nations can point to wildlife recoveries on this scale while maintaining broad public access, private property rights, robust outdoor traditions, and strong citizen involvement. The abundance of wildlife many Americans enjoy today did not happen by accident.
It happened because generations of people cared enough to act.
The next time you hear a turkey gobble at dawn, watch a herd of elk move across a mountain meadow, see a redfish tailing in a coastal marsh, spot a bighorn sheep on a rocky slope, or simply notice a white-tailed deer stepping from the woods, remember that those moments represent something larger than a wildlife sighting.
They are evidence of one of the greatest conservation success stories in world history.
As America celebrates 250 years of independence, we should recognize that some of our most important achievements are not found in monuments, battlefields, or government buildings.
They are found in healthy rivers, thriving forests, productive wetlands, open prairies, and wild places where wildlife still flourishes.
The American conservation story is ultimately about more than animals.
It is about a nation that chose stewardship over surrender, responsibility over indifference, and hope over decline.
And that may be one of the most American stories of all.
Hammer: Joe Betar Brings Real-World Experience to a High-Stakes Thriller
I recently had the opportunity to interview Joe Betar about his debut thriller, Hammer. While the novel delivers plenty of action and suspense, what interested me most was how much of the story is rooted in real-world experience.
Betar said he has always been drawn to thrillers because of “the intensity and the emotional stakes.” His goal wasn’t simply to write another action novel, but “something that’s fast-paced, character-driven, cinematic, but still grounded in realism.”
The story follows Jack “Hammer” Garrett, a former MMA champion who leaves the fighting world behind, hoping to settle into a quieter life in the Texas Hill Country focused on family, hunting and shooting. Of course, life has other plans.
“This book is really not only about action and adventure,” Betar said. “It’s also about the family aspect and the emotional aspect of it.”
One of the themes we discussed was what separates Hammer from many modern revenge thrillers.
“It’s not just about payback,” Betar said. “It’s about more than settling the score. It’s really about how Jack protects his family and protects his way of life.”
He added that the novel explores themes of “family… loyalty, justice, redemption, and identity,” while the main character struggles with whether violence is something he can truly leave behind or whether it will always remain part of his life.
Another aspect I appreciated was Betar’s commitment to authenticity. His background includes conservation work, anti-poaching efforts, nursing, martial arts training and years around firearms and tactical disciplines. Rather than relying solely on imagination, he blended those experiences into the story.
“I tried to take everything from my medical background and my conservation background and incorporate pieces of those into the challenges Jack faces,” Betar said. “Traveling to different parts of the world… understanding the geopolitical differences” all became part of the novel.
Accuracy also mattered.
“I reached out to experts in the field,” Betar said, explaining that he wanted tactical professionals to recognize that he had “taken care in being precise and exact.” He also relied on experienced beta readers to challenge scenes involving firearms, tactics and other technical aspects before the novel was published.
For readers who enjoy suspense grounded in believable characters, authentic outdoor settings and real-world experience, Hammer offers something different than the typical action thriller.
There are some places that simply feel like home the moment you arrive. For me, Dubois, WY is one of those places.
For the past three years, Higher Calling Wildlife® has had the privilege of partnering with Camp Bighorn which is ran by the National Bighorn Sheep Center. That partnership involves me spending time with young people who are eager to learn about wildlife conservation with a special emphasis on using photograph and video to raise awareness.
It is such an honor to get to take part in this and I’m inspired to return every year.
Each trip back reminds me why this community has become such a special part of our work. The scenery is spectacular, the people are welcoming, and there is a genuine passion here for conserving one of North America’s greatest mountain icons.
The North American four near the entrance look amazing!
Before teaching this year’s group of 27 campers a session on using photograph for conservation, I spent some time exploring the National Bighorn Sheep Center, and I quickly realized there is a lot that’s new.
I had the opportunity to visit with Executive Director Anna Miller, who showed me many of the improvements that have transformed the visitor experience.
Updated lighting brings the exhibits to life, while new interpretive placards make it easier than ever to understand the incredible story of wild sheep and the challenges they face. Throughout the Center, interactive displays invite visitors to sharpen their wildlife identification skills, compare horns and skulls, and gain a deeper appreciation for the remarkable wildlife of the Rocky Mountains.
One of the things I appreciated most is that the exhibits don’t avoid the difficult realities of conservation. Visitors learn about diseases that continue to threaten wild sheep populations, predator-prey relationships, habitat issues, and the challenges that can arise when domestic sheep and goats come into contact with wild sheep.
Those aren’t always easy conversations, but they’re important ones. Conservation isn’t just about admiring wildlife. It’s about understanding what it takes to keep these animals thriving for generations to come.
This display does an incredible job of showing the great challenges bighorn sheep face.
The Center has also expanded its interpretation of the historical and cultural importance of bighorn sheep. Updated exhibits explore the connection between
Native peoples and these magnificent animals, reminding visitors that bighorn sheep have held a place of significance for countless generations. It’s an important reminder that wildlife conservation is also about preserving a living heritage.
I’ve visited wildlife museums, nature centers, and interpretive facilities across North America, and what stands out about the National Bighorn Sheep Center is that it doesn’t simply present information. It invites people to engage with it. Whether you’re identifying wildlife, learning about habitat, or discovering the challenges facing wild sheep today, every exhibit encourages curiosity and inspires visitors to look at conservation through a deeper lens.
A white bighorn ram and a ram with very unusual horns are now highlighted in a big way.
That made it the perfect place to spend a little time before Camp Bighorn.
In just a short time, I’d be joining 27 young campers for a week centered on wildlife, conservation, and the outdoors. Seeing the exhibits beforehand reinforced something I’ve believed for years: when you help someone understand wildlife, you dramatically increase the chances they’ll care enough to protect it.
That’s exactly why opportunities like Camp Bighorn matter. Young people who spend time learning about wildlife today become the hunters, wildlife biologists, researchers, land managers, photographers, and conservation advocates of tomorrow. We’re honored to play a small part in that effort alongside the dedicated people who make it happen year after year.
Native traditions involving bighorn sheep give the facility a unique historical flare.
The National Bighorn Sheep Center is much more than a museum. It’s a place where people of every age can discover the remarkable story of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, learn about the challenges they face, and leave with a greater appreciation for the wild landscapes they call home.
As I left the Center to meet this year’s campers, I couldn’t think of a better way to begin the week. Conservation starts with knowledge, grows through experience, and flourishes when people are inspired to care.
The National Bighorn Sheep Center is helping make that happen every single day.
There are moments in the outdoors when a wildlife encounter becomes something much bigger than a photograph. It becomes a lesson in conservation, stewardship and the quiet work taking place behind the scenes to keep North America’s wild places truly wild.
That’s exactly what happened during a recent visit by our Higher Calling Wildlife team to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.
Earlier in the day, our team spent time with children involved in one of our Colorado outreach efforts, sharing wildlife conservation gift packages and talking about God’s creation, conservation and the importance of becoming good stewards of the natural world. Watching young people get excited about wildlife is always one of the highlights of our trips. Those conversations are investments in the next generation of conservationists, and they remind us that protecting wildlife begins with inspiring people.
Later that day, we found ourselves receiving another lesson—this one from a herd of Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.
Driving the scenic loop through Garden of the Gods, we noticed movement high among the dramatic red sandstone formations. Looking closer, we spotted a herd of Rocky Mountain bighorns feeding and making their way across the rugged terrain. Even from a distance, they were magnificent.
I immediately knew I wanted to photograph them.
Rather than trying to shoot from the roadside, I hiked to a higher vantage point where I could safely photograph the sheep without disturbing them. Every step reinforced something I’ve learned after years of photographing wildlife: sometimes the effort required to reach a better perspective becomes part of the experience itself.
Watching those sheep effortlessly negotiate cliffs and ledges that seemed nearly vertical was a reminder that they are perfectly designed for a landscape that would challenge almost any other animal.
While photographing the herd, I met two officials whose responsibility is helping protect both the sheep and the thousands of visitors who pass through the park each year. Their work includes managing traffic when the animals approach the scenic loop and helping keep the sheep from wandering onto the roadway.
Then one of them mentioned something I had never heard before.
He explained they also work to discourage the sheep from crossing into an area where domestic sheep and goats are present because of the risk of disease transmission. Domestic sheep and goats can carry pathogens that may have little effect on them but can be devastating to wild bighorn populations.
That immediately caught my attention.
I’ve written about pneumonia and other disease concerns affecting Rocky Mountain bighorns, including management efforts involving mountain goats elsewhere in Colorado, but I had never heard about active efforts at Garden of the Gods specifically intended to keep these wild sheep separated from nearby domestic animals.
It was fascinating, and it’s something I intend to circle back on with park and wildlife leadership so I can learn more about how those efforts work and what role they play in protecting this remarkable herd.
It’s a reminder that some of the most important conservation work happens quietly.
Visitors see incredible wildlife against one of America’s most beautiful backdrops. What they often don’t see are the dedicated people working behind the scenes to reduce vehicle collisions, manage human interactions and help minimize disease risks that could threaten the future of these animals.
Across the West, diseases associated with contact between domestic sheep and wild bighorns have been one of the greatest challenges facing restoration efforts. Entire herds have suffered significant declines after pneumonia outbreaks, making prevention one of the highest priorities for wildlife managers and conservation organizations.
Fortunately, those organizations aren’t working alone.
Groups such as the Wild Sheep Foundation and the Rocky Mountain Bighorn Society have played major roles in supporting wild sheep conservation through habitat improvement, disease research, population restoration, educational programs and volunteer projects.
State wildlife agencies, biologists, hunters, wildlife photographers and conservation-minded citizens have all contributed to one of North America’s great wildlife success stories. Supporting organizations like these through memberships, fundraising events, volunteer work or simply helping spread awareness allows anyone to become part of that ongoing effort.
Standing there with my camera, I couldn’t help but think back to the children we had visited earlier in the day. We had encouraged them to care about wildlife and to understand that conservation isn’t just something professionals do—it’s something all of us can participate in.
Then, only hours later, we witnessed exactly what that looks like.
Dedicated professionals were protecting a wild herd. Conservation organizations were supporting long-term recovery efforts. Visitors were slowing down to admire the animals. And our team had the privilege of witnessing not only one of Colorado’s most iconic species, but also the network of people committed to ensuring those sheep remain part of this landscape for generations to come.
For our Higher Calling Wildlife team, Garden of the Gods became far more than another stop on a Colorado adventure. It became another reminder that every wildlife encounter has a deeper story. Sometimes that story is written across ancient stone cliffs.
Sometimes it’s found in the determined climb to reach a better photograph. And sometimes it’s told by the people whose daily work helps keep wild sheep wild.
Those are stories worth telling and lessons worth passing on to the next generation.
Chester Moore
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Today, I’ll be heading west once again for a Higher Calling Wildlife® outreach expedition in Colorado and Wyoming, and I couldn’t be more excited.
For many people, a trip to the Rockies is about incredible scenery, wildlife viewing, and outdoor adventure. For me, it’s about those things, but it’s also about something deeper. Every trip is an opportunity to connect people—especially young people—with wildlife, conservation, and hope.
Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be spending time in and around Estes Park, Colorado Springs, Denver, and other areas of Colorado. We’ll be photographing wildlife, exploring some amazing landscapes, and working on several outreach projects designed to inspire the next generation of conservationists, wildlife photographers, and outdoor communicators.
One of the things I’m most excited about is helping young people learn about photojournalism and wildlife storytelling. Wildlife photography is much more than taking pictures. It’s about telling stories that connect people with nature. A powerful image can inspire someone to care about conservation, appreciate wildlife, or even change the direction of their life.
I’ve seen that happen firsthand.
The National Bighorn Sheep Center recently re-published the award-winning article in their magazine.
One of the reasons mountain goats have become such a special focus for our family and for Higher Calling Wildlife goes back to an experience we had several years ago atop Mount Blue Sky.
At the time, I was scouting locations for a wildlife outing we were planning for young people. My daughter Faith, who was 16 years old then, was with me as we explored the mountain and looked for opportunities to photograph wildlife.
During that scouting trip, she photographed a mountain goat.
Neither of us knew it at the time, but that image would go on to win a major national photography award.
For me, the story was about far more than a photograph. Years earlier, when Lea and I made the decision to adopt Faith, I felt the Lord put something on my heart regarding her future and how wildlife and the outdoors would become part of her story. Watching her grow as a wildlife photographer and seeing that image receive national recognition felt like the fulfillment of something God had spoken long before.
I eventually wrote about that experience here on Higher Calling Wildlife. Earlier this year, that article received First Place in Faith-Based Inspirational Writing at the 2026 Press Club of Southeast Texas Excellence in Media Awards.
That mountain goat encounter became one of those defining moments that reminded me why we do what we do. It also helped spark an even deeper appreciation for mountain goats and the high-country environments they call home. Ever since then, they’ve been among the wildlife species we most enjoy photographing, studying, and sharing with others.
Experiences like that are why these expeditions matter.
I’ve seen kids gain confidence through photography. I’ve seen young people discover a passion for conservation. I’ve watched children who were struggling find peace and purpose through experiences in the outdoors. Sometimes all it takes is a single encounter with wildlife or one meaningful moment in nature.
Those moments are why Higher Calling Wildlife exists.
This trip will include opportunities to document some of the incredible wildlife that makes the Rocky Mountains such a special place. Whether it’s elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, birds of prey, mule deer, or some unexpected species we encounter along the way, we’ll be sharing photos and stories throughout the journey.
We’ll also be working on projects designed to help young people understand how photography and journalism can be used as tools for conservation. Too often, young people are told to consume content. We want to teach them how to create it—to tell stories that matter and use their talents to make a positive impact.
Another major highlight of the trip will take place in Dubois, Wyoming, where we’ll be partnering with the National Bighorn Sheep Center to teach a day of Big Camp Bighorn. Helping young people learn about wild sheep conservation and the incredible animals that inhabit some of North America’s most rugged landscapes is something I care deeply about, and I’m honored to be part of that effort.
Wild sheep have played a significant role in my conservation work over the years, and every opportunity to introduce young people to their story is a blessing.
As always, this expedition is about more than wildlife.
It’s about relationships.
It’s about mentorship.
It’s about conservation.
And ultimately, it’s about helping people see the wonder of creation and recognize that their lives have value, purpose, and meaning.
None of this would be possible without the support of people who believe in the mission of Higher Calling Wildlife. Through your prayers, encouragement, and financial support, we’re able to continue reaching young people through wildlife conservation, photography, outdoor education, and storytelling.
If you’d like to help support future expeditions and outreach efforts, we would greatly appreciate it. Every contribution helps us create opportunities for young people to experience wildlife, learn about conservation, develop creative skills, and discover hope through the outdoors.
Most of all, I would appreciate your prayers as we travel and carry out this work. I’m looking forward to sharing photographs, wildlife encounters, stories, and lessons learned from the mountains in the days ahead.
Stay tuned.
The Rockies are calling once again, and I can’t wait to see what God has in store.
Chester Moore
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Few parasites in modern history have caused as much concern among wildlife biologists, ranchers, and animal health experts as the New World Screwworm.
Unlike most parasites, screwworm larvae feed on living tissue. Animals suffering from an infestation can develop severe wounds that grow larger as the larvae continue feeding. Left untreated, infestations can become life-threatening.
The United States once fought a decades-long battle against screwworm, ultimately achieving one of the greatest animal health victories in history by eradicating the parasite from the country. For many Americans, screwworm became little more than a historical footnote.
Today, however, concern is growing once again.
To better understand the threat, I recently spoke with legendary wildlife biologist Larry Weishuhn, known to many as “Mr. Whitetail.” Larry witnessed the original screwworm crisis firsthand and observed the damage it caused before the parasite was eliminated from the United States.
His perspective is particularly valuable because it combines historical experience with decades of wildlife management expertise. During our conversation, we discussed the biology of screwworm, the lessons learned from past eradication efforts, and what wildlife managers, ranchers, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts should be watching as this situation develops.
One thing is clear: the New World Screwworm is not simply another wildlife issue. It is a parasite with a long history of affecting wildlife, livestock, and rural communities, and its return has captured the attention of experts across multiple fields.
As more information becomes available, continued monitoring, public awareness, and cooperation between wildlife agencies, livestock producers, and animal health officials will be critical.
For those who care about wildlife conservation, hunting, ranching, and the future of America’s natural resources, the New World Screwworm is a story worth following closely.
Wildlife professionals, livestock producers, hunters, and conservationists are closely monitoring developments involving the New World Screwworm and its movement closer to the United States. The potential impacts extend far beyond individual animals.
Whitetail deer, livestock, pets, and even endangered wildlife species could all face risks if screwworm becomes established in areas where it has previously been absent. Beyond animal health concerns, the economic and conservation implications could be substantial.
Chester Moore
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