Wolf Footage grant program

Wolves are returning to shared landscapes across the West, and ranchers and landowners are often the first to see it happening. It is our mission to partner with landowners to advance wolf research & coexistence.

About

The Wolf Footage Grant Program is a micro-grant initiative that supports landowners who document wolf presence on their property. Submitted footage contributes directly to ongoing research led by wildlife biologist Dr. Anna Doty, helping improve our understanding of wolf behavior and coexistence on working lands.

Image: Janet Pesaturo

Why participate?

By sharing footage, you are:

  • Supporting real scientific research on wolves

  • Helping develop nonlethal coexistence strategies

  • Contributing on-the-ground knowledge from working landscapes

  • Building a direct relationship with researchers

  • Ensuring rural perspectives are included in wolf science

Image: California Department of Fish & Willdlife

What we’re looking for

We welcome:

  • Trail camera footage of wolves

  • Phone videos of sightings or tracks

  • Pack movement or repeated presence

  • Interactions with landscape or livestock (non-graphic)

  • Seasonal patterns or behavioral observations

Footage does not need to be professional—clear, honest documentation is most valuable.

Micro-Grant Compensation

Compensation is based on the quality and research value of footage:

$50–$150
Short clips or single sightings with clear wolf presence

$150–$400
Behavioral footage (pack dynamics, repeated visits, movement patterns)

$400–$1,000+
High-value or rare footage that significantly contributes to research

Ongoing contributors may receive:

  • Seasonal stipends

  • Equipment support (trail cameras, SD cards)

• • Continued collaboration opportunities

A relationship-first approach

This program is built on respect.

We aim to:

  • Work collaboratively with landowners

  • Share findings back with participants

  • Support solutions that work for both livelihoods and wildlife

How to participate

  1. Submit your footage

  2. Include basic details (date, location, context)

  3. Our team reviews and follows up within 1–2 weeks

  4. Compensation is provided upon acceptance

  • The most important wildlife observations don’t come from afar—they come from the people living with them.