This week, I interviewed Rae Nickerson. Rae lives is persuing a PhD at Utah State University in Logan, Utah, but travels widely in the west. She studies large carnivores and specifically works on conflict reduction between wolves, grizzlies, and livestock.

Rae has had several encounters with bears, some scary, some hilarious, like when a bear was trying to get apples out of the back of her truck while she was trying to sleep in the cab. But she picked another kind of encounter to share with us.

Aside from all her work in the field and with producers, she also finds time to help the Western Landowners Alliance with conflict reduction outreach.

Apologies in advance for the audio quality. Sometimes when recording people for these segments, we don’t get the most stellar reception. Doing the best we can.

AweNice welcomes interviewees. If you have a moment you experienced while working outside and would like to share it, contact us here.

Our music is by my friend, Forrest Van Tuyl, who knows a bit about wonders at work. Find more of his terrific music here.

My name is Maddy Butcher, I’m a journalist and day worker here in the Four Corners area. I developed Awe Nice in hopes of brightening your day. If you’d like to donate, head here and thank you.

Keep your eyes, ears, and mind open. Until next time.