The Animal House | WAMU 88.5

Fatal auto accidents involving wildlife and humans happen thousands of times a day. Tens of thousands of fish and marine mammals die every year in areas of public recreation. Are we in the midst of a cohabitation crisis? Acclaimed journalist Jim Sterba relays a slightly less than apocalyptic view of the colliding interests of humans and wildlife, which is also the thesis of his new book, "Nature Wars: The Incredible Story of How Wildlife Comebacks Have Turned Backyards Into Battlegrounds." DeBordieu (pronounced Deb-Bah-Dew) is a picturesque South Carolina community with an 800-acre wildlife preserve and scenic beaches that have recently become the graveyard for an estimated 40,000 fish. Mel Bell, director of the Office of Fisheries Management for the state’s Department of Natural Resources, tells us what he knows thus far. read more

Dr. Gary Weitzman speaks with a Maryland woman who wants to make her parakeet more “sociable." In Washington, D.C., a woman is looking for ways to change her two cats’ aggressive behavior toward strangers. A Tennessee man has a cat that was diagnosed with feline leukemia and he wants advice. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy; “Glory Days” (from “Racing Stripes” original soundtrack) by Mark Isham

Jim and Jamie Dutcher are National Geographic explorers, award-winning filmmakers, authors and the first family of wolf conservation. For two decades, the study of wolves has been their life’s work. Between 1990 and 1996, the Dutchers did what many considered impossible -- actually living with a pack of wolves in Idaho’s Sawtooth Wilderness. Sam Litzinger speaks to the Dutchers about their personal experiences with the often misunderstood canine species. After that, it’s The Loh Down on Science with Sandra Loh.

A San Diego woman is having difficulty keeping her dogs indoors and seeks the advice of Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society. A Florida man needs help with his poodle’s peculiar lack of discipline. In Chicago, a 2-year-old Corgi injures a leg, and its caretaker wants to know if surgery is an option. We also feature BirdNote, our weekly review of avian species.

The effort to ban horse slaughter in the U.S. gained new momentum last week when four powerful members of Congress introduced a bill known as the SAFE act in a Capitol Hill press conference. We were there to speak with several influential figures in the animal welfare community who were also in attendance. Sam Litzinger speaks with Dr. Rindy Anderson of Duke University about how and why she and a team researchers created a new, robotic avian species affectionately called "Robosparrow." Music: “Animal Dreams” by Bob James

A cat and its colon health is the primary concern of a Maryland woman, and Dr. Gary Weitzman enlists the input of author and veterinary critical care specialist Dr. Justine Lee in an attempt to offer the best advice. A San Diego man wants to know more about the possibility of chiropractic treatments for his Chihuahua. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy; “Flik’s Machine" (from “A Bug’s Life” original soundtrack) by Randy Newman

We travel to New Orleans for conversations with Tia Torres, founder of Villalobos Rescue Center and central figure in the popular Animal Planet TV program "Pit Bulls and Parolees," and Ken Foster, founder of pit bull rescue organization The Sula Foundation. Ken recently published a third book about his affection for and commitment to the often unappreciated breed, titled "I’m A Good Dog."

Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society encounters a woman seeking to diagnose the cause of bumps resembling "zits" on her cat’s chin. An elderly Dalmatian in Virginia has started pacing inexplicably and its caretaker is seeking advice. A Maryland woman wants to curb her Lhasa Apso’s curious appetite for stuffed animals and underwear. We also feature BirdNote, a weekly review of avian species.

For years, the Argentine Ant has been known as the most aggressive and widespread invasive ant species in the U.S. But researchers at North Carolina State University have confirmed that the insect is challenged by a new and more ambitious rival for territory in urban areas: the Asian Needle Ant,which is harmful to people. Entomologist Eleanor Spicer Rice is primarily responsible for this stinging revelation and she shares her findings with us. Sam Litzinger also speaks with author Amy Stewart about her book, "Wicked Bugs: The Louse That Conquered Napoleon’s Army & Other Diabolical Insects.” Music: “Animal Dreams” by Bob James; “Flik’s Machine” (from “A Bug’s Life” original soundtrack) by Randy Newman

Dr. Gary Weitzman counsels a Washington, D.C., woman who is concerned about her dog’s severe, nighttime anxiety. A Tennessee woman seeks relief for her 11-year-old Westie, who is suffering from unusual stomach problems. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy; “I Am the Walrus” by The Beatles and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Smooshi is a 900-pound female walrus that resides at Marineland Niagara Falls, Canada. In 2004, she and trainer Phil Demers became celebrities after developing an unusually close attachment. Last year Demers quit his job at Marineland after complaining about poor treatment of animals at the facility. Marineland fired back with a $1.5 million lawsuit against the trainer, accusing him of plotting to “kidnap” the marine mammal. Sam Litzinger speaks to Demers, who gives his side of this love story gone bad. read more

A Maryland woman has a Staffordshire terrier (pictured) she can’t keep. Dr. Gary Weitzman of the San Diego Humane Society connects her with Maureen Sosa of the Washington Animal Rescue League, who offers to help find the canine a new home. The human companion of an 11-year-old cat wants to know if the pet is too old for its first vaccination. A Labrador Retriever’s caretaker thinks the dog has strabismus -- a.k.a. crossed eyes -- and seeks confirmation. We also feature BirdNote, a weekly review of avian species. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy

A recent investigation by NBC News revealed a disturbing trend: since 2007, more than 300 pets have died while travelling on commercial airlines. NBC Bay Area Investigative Unit reporter Elyce Kirchner spent six months on the story and she shares her findings with us. We also have information about a new website which promises to make you smarter about your dog’s intelligence. Dognition is the brainchild of Dr. Brian Hare, a Duke University professor and director of the Duke Canine Cognition Center. He speaks to us about his work and his new book, "The Genius of Dogs." em>Music: “Animal Dreams” by Bob James

Dr. Gary Weitzman speaks to a conflicted man who is not sure what to do about his 12-year-old Springer Spaniel, who seems to be near the end of life. Music: “Road Dogs” by Acoustic Alchemy; “Glory Days” by Mark Isham

Feral cat proliferation has become a major concern in the nation’s most populous city, New York, and residents have responded with a wide variety of methods to control their numbers. In the first of a series of reports, we meet Leslie Farrell, the creator of Architects for Animals, a novel gesture of support for the Big Apple’s feral cat colonies as well as Shelia Massey, a Manhattan resident who is instrumental in protecting the feral cat colony in her neighborhood. After that, it’s The Loh Down on Science with Sandra Loh.