A recent report of a possible mountain lion near Sacramento International Airport turned out to be something very different. According to KCRA, the animal spotted lying in a muddy canal was not a cougar at all, but an abandoned French bulldog.
The dog was rescued and taken to a shelter after wildlife responders determined it had likely been dumped. While the story quickly went viral, it also highlighted a familiar issue in wildlife reporting: misidentification.
When you think of animals that look like a mountain it’s of course the French bulldog.
But misidentification doesn’t mean reports should be dismissed outright. It means they should be verified.
That distinction matters when discussing mountain lions, especially outside the western United States. In many regions, cougars are still considered absent based on official range maps. When sightings occur outside those boundaries, they are often written off immediately.
Sometimes that’s justified. Sometimes it isn’t.
I recently documented clear photographic evidence of mountain lions outside the accepted range, taken in East Texas. These images are not folklore or rumor. They are photographs evaluated in context with known mountain lion anatomy, behavior, and dispersal patterns.
I break down the evidence and what it does and does not suggest — in this video:
Mountain Lions Where They’re Not Supposed to Be (Photographic Evidence from East Texas) 👉Click here to watch.
The Sacramento case ended with a dog being rescued because someone took a report seriously enough to investigate. That same principle applies everywhere.
Verification matters.
Chester Moore
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Today is Giving Tuesday, and we’re inviting you to be part of something truly life-changing.
Two weeks ago, the 300th child came through our Wild Wishes® program—a milestone that represents hundreds of young lives touched with hope, encouragement, and the healing power of wildlife. Many of these kids have faced deep trauma, loss, or ongoing hardship. Wild Wishes® grants wildlife encounters to hurting children, creating moments of joy and wonder that often open the door to emotional and spiritual healing.
For nearly seven years, Higher Calling Wildlife has been leading transformative wildlife expeditions with kids across the country—Colorado, Wyoming, Tennessee, Texas, Arkansas, and Florida. These trips provide powerful outdoor experiences, Christ-centered mentorship, and the chance for kids to encounter God’s creation in unforgettable ways. The mountains, forests, coastlines, and wild spaces we explore become places where hope is restored and purpose takes root.
Watch our mini-documentary on that program here.
We also serve countless youth in foster care through other facets of our ministry, offering support, encouragement, and opportunities many would never otherwise receive.
This year, however, we’re behind on donations compared to recent years. To continue saying “yes” to every child who needs us—and to start 2026 strong—we are asking for your support.
Help us grant more Wild Wishes® encounters to hurting kids
Equip us to serve children in foster care through specialized outreach programs
Support ongoing Higher Calling wildlife expeditions and mentorship
Allow us to reach more kids for Christ through our wildlife-based ministry
Ensure no child is turned away due to funding
Every donation, big or small, makes a direct impact. You can bring encouragement, hope, and unforgettable wildlife experiences to children who desperately need them.
Thank you for standing with us and helping transform young lives—one wild wish at a time.
Is the viral Black Panther photo in America the best proof yet—or just another internet hoax?
In this video, I break down the origins of the photo, analyze whether it could be real, and share my personal opinion on what it means for the ongoing mystery of Black Panthers in the United States.
From eyewitness accounts to expert skepticism, we dig deep into one of the most talked-about wildlife controversies in America today.
👉 What do YOU think—are Black Panthers really roaming the wild in the U.S.? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
Gulf Great White Shark Society Gift
On the 50th anniversary of Jaws, the newly-founded Gulf Great White Shark Society celebrated Gulf Great White Sharks: Return of an Icon at the Museum of the Gulf Coast with a unique artistic contribution.
The Society’s founder, award-winning wildlife journalist Chester Moore, partnered with renowned wildlife artist Calvin Carter to create the official premiere artwork, honoring the return of great white sharks to the Gulf and promoting conservation awareness.
Click to watch the documentary.
“Speaking with Calvin to give him the insights on great whites in the Gulf to create this piece was an incredible experience, and it added a lot to our premiere and thrilled the capacity crowd at the Museum of the Gulf Coast,” Moore said.
“After visiting the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy’s Shark Center in Chatham, MA on Cape Cod twice in 2024, and even having the honor of tagging along on their drone study of great whites off those beautiful shores with my videographer friend Paul Fuzinski, I decided the best thing to do with the original artwork was to donate it to them for their future fundraisers.”
Calvin Carter putting final touches on the piece.
Through the event, the Society was also able to contribute a $300 donation directly to AWSC.
“They are doing groundbreaking work on shark science and safety, and it means a lot to support their mission. I reached out to AWSC co-founder Cynthia Wigren and was excited to see they were happy to take the beautiful piece Calvin created,” Moore added.
Calvin Carter expressed his excitement for the project.
“I’m honored to work with Chester on something so meaningful. Art can play a powerful role in helping people connect with conservation. I’m especially proud to represent the Gulf’s great whites, a subject close to my heart,” Carter said.
Chester and Calvin in the official Calvin Carter Art Studio.
The piece was inspired by “LeeBeth,” the great white shark that made headlines when she appeared off South Padre Island in 2024. Having spent much of his time in South Padre, Carter drew on the landscape and atmosphere of the area to capture “the idea of another great white just beyond the surf, once again showing the comeback of the species and how they show up in unexpected places.”
“Art is a universal way to convey the beauty and awe of sharks,” Moore said.
“It’s something even kids can engage with and Calvin knows this best, since he also teaches high school art,” Moore said.
Together, the Society and Carter hope that this collaboration will not only honor the Gulf’s connection to these apex predators but also help fund critical conservation work through the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy.
“The return of great whites to the Gulf is a reminder that our waters are alive with wonder,” Moore said.
“By blending science, art, and community, we can inspire people of all ages to protect these incredible creatures and ensure their legacy endures for generations.”
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Manatee mistaken identity A gentle sea cow once took the blame for damage in Texas waters—but mounting evidence suggests the real culprits were juvenile bull sharks stirring up trouble.
The “lassoed” bull shark rumor A newspaper once claimed Texas game wardens “lassoed” a bull shark after it attacked someone. Spoiler: that’s pure myth, and I’ll explain why in the video.
A 40-year-old great white tale Decades ago, whispers spread that a “baby great white” was found in Sabine Lake. We’ll sift through whether that story has any teeth—or if it’s just another fishy rumor.
From jaw-dropping legends to real shark science, this commentary explores the history, the hype, and what’s actually swimming beneath the surface of Texas waterways.
Hey friends – big update from the road! We just found out we’ll be spending time with two new kids TODAY – children who are hurting and in need of hope. We are going to take them up to 11,000 feet to photograph marmots and elk here in the Rockies.
We’re honored to walk into their lives with love, encouragement, and Christ-centered wildlife encounters that speak deeply to their hearts. 🌿🐻
And when we return home, we’ll be welcoming an incredible new family into the Higher Calling community, while also facing annual medical costs for our animal team that brings so much healing to these children.
One of the kids in our program photographing mule deer yesterday.
👉 We’re asking for help raising $800 to cover:
$500 – gifts and a special outing for the kids and the new Colorado family here in the Rockies.
$300 – annual veterinary care for the animals
Every dollar is tax-deductible and goes directly to the mission – no salaries, no fluff. Just real love and real wildlfe.
Costs have risen, and we’ve had to ask more directly – but your generosity keeps making it possible. I don’t ask for help here much on the blog but I straight up need it now.
Thank you!
Here’s a photo of Lisa handing out some of the beautiful gifts donors helped us get for this trip. It’s awesome to see people being surprised at these acts of kindness shared in wild places.
And the Austin Stevens Young Adventurer Award goes to...
Our sweet friend Bellamy Korn is the recipient of our Austin Stevens Young Adventurer Award! This award honors are good friend Austin Stevens, who is one of the greatest wildlife tv hosts of all time.
Bellamy despite having dealt with cancer has made 100 hikes since her diagnosis and she is doing great! Last year, she and her awesome brothers and her sweet mom Sarah Bailey joined us to do photography in Estes Park.
Bellamy is a big inspiration for us and we love her very much.
Chester Moore, founder of Higher Calling Wildlife®, received multiple honors at the recent Press Club of Southeast Texas “Excellence In Media Awards,” including First Place: Top Blog for Higher Calling Wildlife — marking the fourth year in a row the blog has earned that distinction.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by such a prestigious organization and to do so well in a field of so many great journalists. It’s humbling and also inspiring,” Moore said.
This year’s awards were particularly meaningful for Moore, as several of the recognized stories touched on subjects that hold deep personal significance. Among them was his investigative reporting on the illegal wildlife trafficking and cloning of Marco Polo sheep, which received first place in Environmental Reporting and Audio News Story. His work spotlighted the complex ethical and conservation challenges posed by cloning technology and wildlife trade.
Moore also received first place honors for Best Talk Show for his Moore Outdoors interview with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, covering the growing presence of great white sharks in the Gulf of Mexico — a topic he has followed closely in recent years.
“It was special to be recognized for stories that are important to me personally and professionally — like the return of great white sharks to the Gulf and the Marco Polo sheep cloning case. These are issues that I believe deserve attention and thoughtful discussion,” Moore added.
In addition to the blog and environmental reporting categories, Moore’s work was recognized across several formats with first place wins, including Overall Podcast Excellence for Dark Outdoors, Corporate Video for his Wild Wishes Program, and Travel Writing for Texas Fish & Game.
Additional honors included second place for Video Storytelling, Headline Writing, and Best Podcast Individual Episode, along with third place awards in Social Media, General Blog for Gulfgreatwhites.com, Documentary, Special Supplements for the Wild Sheep Foundation Conservation Impact document, and an additional Audio News Story focused on a great white shark off South Padre Island.
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Beneath the surface of Hollywood’s most iconic ocean thriller lies a deeper, darker truth. In this chilling episode, we venture into the murky waters behind the making of Jaws—a film that forever altered our perception of the sea and its apex predator. But the terror didn’t end on screen.
We dive into real-life great white shark attacks that fueled the public’s fear and expose how Steven Spielberg’s cinematic masterpiece led to shark persecution but also inspired some to take up shark conservation. From behind-the-scenes chaos and mechanical monsters to blood-soaked beaches and misunderstood killers, this is the untold story of fear, fiction, and fallout.
Listen to a fun episode of Dark Outdoors on the real story behind Jaws that you have never heard.
In a bold new step for aquaculture, scientists at Auburn University have created a genetically modified catfish containing an alligator gene—not to grow scales or teeth, but to fight disease. Using CRISPR gene-editing, researchers inserted the cathelicidin gene, which helps alligators resist infections, into channel catfish embryos. The modified fish also carry a sterility switch, ensuring they can’t breed in the wild.
The goal? Combat the major issue of aquatic disease that leads to billions in losses globally. In tests, the hybrid catfish had up to five times higher survival rates against bacterial infections compared to normal stock.
The technology is still under review for commercial use, but its implications are vast: fewer antibiotics, higher yield, and built-in ecological safeguards.
Higher Calling Wildlife® is closely following this emerging space, particularly after receiving recent awards for investigative reporting on wildlife cloning—including the controversial case of the cloned Marco Polo sheep. With conservation, biotech, and law intersecting in unexpected ways, these stories are only beginning to unfold.
Chester Moore
Chester Moore
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The Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem has successfully reintroduced 20 Persian (Mesopotamian) fallow deer into the wild this spring. The release marks a bold new chapter for the species, once teetering on the brink of extinction.
“We’re beyond excited to share that our Spring 2025 Persian (Mesopotamian) fallow deer release has successfully reintroduced 20 captive-bred deer into the wild!” the zoo announced.
This release took place at Nachal Dolev Nature Reserve, nestled in the scenic Judean Hills, just 25 kilometers from Jerusalem.
The location is significant. For two decades, the zoo has been working tirelessly to restore the Persian fallow deer population through carefully managed releases. Now, for the first time, the deer are being returned to new territory closer to Jerusalem, allowing them to reclaim portions of their ancient habitat.
“After 20 years of successful reintroductions, we’re now expanding to new territory near Jerusalem, helping this once nearly extinct species reclaim its ancient homeland!” the zoo shared.
The latest release also marked a major shift in strategy. In past efforts, the deer were gradually introduced to the wild using fenced acclimatization areas, allowing them time to adjust to their new surroundings. This time, however, the zoo’s team took a more daring approach.
“For the first time, we released the deer directly into the wild—without a fenced acclimatization area!” they said.
Extensive research conducted over the years had shown that the fallow deer are remarkably adaptable and capable of thriving in the Judean Hills, where food sources and water are plentiful.
To ensure the safety and success of the reintroduction, each deer has been fitted with an electronic tracking collar.
These devices enable the zoo’s scientists to monitor the animals’ movements and behaviors in real time, providing critical data on how the deer adjust to their new environment. The information gathered will help guide future conservation efforts, both in Israel and abroad.
Beyond the scientific achievement, the release was also a day of celebration.
“The day itself was a celebration—a joyful outing in the stunning spring landscape, surrounded by wildflowers and perfect weather,” the zoo reported.
Staff, scientists, and volunteers gathered to witness the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. “It was a well-earned reward for our dedicated staff and volunteers, whose tireless efforts are bringing this majestic species back to life.”
The success of the Persian fallow deer restoration project is a poweful conservation statement in a war-torn part of the world.
Thanks to the Biblical Zoo and its partners, these graceful creatures now roam once again where their ancestors once thrived—a living symbol of renewal in the land of their origin.
Dubois, WY – The awe-inspiring story of one of North America’s most iconic wildlife species comes to life in Discovering Bighorns, a brand-new documentary by award-winning wildlife vjournalist Chester Moore and cinematographer Paul Fuzinski.
Moore embarked on a mission to uncover an educational platform that not only supports wild sheep conservation but also ignites passion for wildlife in the next generation. His search led him to the National Bighorn Sheep Center in Dubois, WY and the heart of bighorn country, where the Center’s dedication to outreach, education, and conservation takes center stage.
Moore visiting with Vivian, one of the kids in hs program at the National Bighorn Sheep Center.
Through Moore’s Higher Calling Wildlife® initiative—an extension of his Wild Wishes® program, which grants wildlife encounters to children facing special challenges—Discovering Bighorns showcases how real-life experiences in nature can transform lives and cultivate young conservationists. The film captures these emotional and powerful moments, blending stunning visuals and heartfelt storytelling.
“I initially collaborated with them on connecting with families in their area that quality for our Wild Wishes program and soon found the facility not only had great educational value but heart. So, we decided to document this through a mini documentary,” Moore said.
Filmed by Paul Fuzinski and Seth Gieb, and edited by Fuzinski the documentary also features the team’s journey to Yellowstone National Park, highlighting the majestic landscape that supports wild sheep and other mountain ungulates.
Produced, written, and narrated by Chester Moore, Discovering Bighorns not only introduces viewers to the breathtaking world of bighorn sheep, but also delves into the National Bighorn Sheep Center’s national impact—from its interactive exhibits and wildlife tours to its tireless efforts in community outreach and habitat conservation.
Located near the Wind River Mountains, the National Bighorn Sheep Center is a premier destination for wildlife enthusiasts. It offers immersive exhibits, guided tours, and crucial education on the threats facing bighorn sheep—including disease, predation, and human encroachment—while fostering a lifelong appreciation for wildlife and conservation.
“Discovering Bighorns is more than a film. It’s a call to action—a celebration of those who dedicate their lives to conserving these incredible animals and a tribute to the children whose lives are changed by their encounters with them,” Moore said.
The first in a series of public viewings of the film will be at the Hunt-Fish Podcast Summit in Texas March 21 as part of their film festival.
