The Animal House from WAMU 88.5

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.

The effort to ban horse slaughter in the U.S. gained new momentum recently 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

Actress, author and filmmaker Isabella Rossellini unveils her new series of short films about motherhood in the animal kingdom, "Mammas," which airs on the Sundance Channel. See excerpts from the series. We travel to New Orleans for a chat with Ken Foster, founder of renowned pit bull rescue organization The Sula Foundation. Ken recently published a book about his affection for and commitment to the loyal and loving but often unappreciated breed, called "I’m A Good Dog."

Music: “Home” by Pat Metheny; “Your Mother Should Know” by The Beatles

For years, the Argentine ant has been known as the most aggressive and widespread invasive ant species in the United States. 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, a species that 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."