The Wild Life is a collection of stories about the wonder and wildness of life on earth. Naturalist, science educator, and curiosity chaser, Devon Bowker, sets out to follow the threads that connect us all and explore the patterns that persist throughout not just life, but the universe itself. This blog and podcast is about wildlife, but it’s also about the discovery of meaning, and how the natural world inspires culture, technology, and everyday life.

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The Wild Life blog + podcast is my place of exploration, and I hope it can be for you, too. For years, I’ve had a hard time landing. It’s only recently I decided it’s okay to fly. To create, to seek, to adventure, to find yourself immersed in wonder and oneness with the natural world–that’s what I hope to do with this blog and podcast. Anything and everything from answering small questions to diving deep into the science. The Wild Life blog + podcast follows the threads that connect us all, no matter how thin or how small. Whether you are here for a quick animal ID, to learn some basics about animals, or in search of something more, I appreciate you being here.

Contact | hello@thewildlife.blog

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Hi, I’m Devon Bowker

he/they

I am a forest bound existentialist creative with a passion for wildlife, our planet, and exploring the threads which connect all life

I am a parent of two amazing children, high school science teacher, graduate student, geek of all trades, naturalist, science communicator/writer, President of The Open (Out)Doors Project, host and producer of The Wild Life, Class, Us, The Wild Life: 8D Soundscapes, The Wild Life KIDS, and Science People! and the creator behind #500DaysHappier.

I am available for public speaking engagements (in-person and virtual), naturalist programs, consultations, and voice work (voiceovers, narrations, audiobooks, ads, podcast promo). If interested in any of these services, please contact me at hello@thewildlife.blog or use this contact form for rates and availability.

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Tried my hand at a Shoebill Stork for my class this week. Definitely a work in progress, but I'm happy with it 🙂 #shoebillstork #digitalart #art #animalart #animals #wildlife Whale cheese in my next mac #whales #whalemilk #animals #animalfacts #wildlife Equal parts intimidated and ecstatic “meeting” Darth Ducking Vader in person. I’d say 5 year old me was freaking out, but let’s be real—all of every me was freaking out 🫠 #darthvader #starwars #starwarslaunchbay #hollywoodstudios #disney Had to revisit my whale watercolor for a grad school. The assignment was to digitally enhance one of our previous works. Here’s my finished #HumpbackWhale! Y’all ever try pringles? I’m calling it the cornflake method 😂. I poured some cereal in my paper, traced the outline, added some topography, and made up a @starwars location. First time ever attempting but I think it turned out kind of neat. #sketching #fantasymap #starwars #map #art Why so many people ask this question is beyond me 🫠 #penguin #penguinknees #animals #wildlife I’ve got some news to share that I hope you’ll like. I’m in the midst of writing a fairly lengthy limited series called Us. It‘s a pseudo-anthology of the ways in which we all interact with our environment, the roles we all play—often unknowingly—in the degradation of the natural world, and an examination of why things are how they are (and how to change course). No matter which way you look at a hippo, they’re incredibly adorable. In case you were wondering, Hippo Hair is actually quite soft! Did you know that the Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) is the closest living relative of Cetaceans (whales and dolphins)? How do we know that? Genetic evidence, homologous structures, fossil record, comparative anatomy (like internal testicles) and a ton of other time tested evidence. Pretty cool, huh? Fun fact: their name actually comes from the Greek for “river horse”, which is what I am calling them from this point forward. Also, while hippos do indeed kill hundreds of people per year and are actually very deadly, are actually only the second most deadly animal in Africa despite popular belief. The mosquito is actually the deadliest! So many fun facts! Just finished my first ever attempt at a digital drawing with uniform dot stippeling and holy smokes that was rough. #digitalart #stippling #lobster #animals #wildlife #sciart #animalart Back soon… Update! I finished 🙂 What should I do next? Just finished the #lineart of my Humpback Whale sketched and painted a Shoebill Stork yesterday. Fine details of feathers and things are not my strong suit, but I’m hoping that it’ll improve as I keep up the habit. Bridal Falls is one of my all time favorite hidden gems in #Minnesota #experiencelife Live fully Even the strongest storms eventually come to an end, and when they do, life goes on. Keep pushing through, because the sun will always rise again. The river may bend, but it never breaks. Let nature's resilience be a reminder to keep flowing and adapting in our own lives, even if that sometimes means going in unexpected directions or a change of pace. Between two weathered timbers on a deck no stranger to the heavy tamping of steel-toe hiking boots and the jovial scamper of children campers, a Green Tree Frog claimed a moment of rest and refuge. It just goes to show, you never quite know what wonder and beauty you may be missing if you don’t take a moment to pause, be still, and witness your surroundings. #mindfulness #frog #treefrog #animals #wildlife #nature #present Nature is a constant source of inspiration and hope. Flowers bloom in the midst of a raging storm, green life sprouts from a rocky cliff face adjacent to a torrential waterfall, life arises from the ashes. It reminds us that no matter how difficult life may seem, there is always the opportunity for renewal and growth. Take a moment to connect with the natural world and find the hope that lies within it. Did you know that ring-necked pheasants are native to Asia but have been introduced to many other countries for hunting and ornamental purposes? These colorful birds are known for their elaborate courtship displays, which involve spreading their impressive tail feathers and making a loud "crowing" noise. #ringneckedpheasants #funfacts #naturelovers #nature #wildlife #animals #birds The devastating wildfires of 2018 across much of the northern US and Canada lead to some fairly spectacular and ominous sunsets, like this one at Savanna Portage State Park. The sun appears red when there is wildfire smoke in the air because the smoke particles are small enough to scatter short-wavelength light, such as blue and violet light, more effectively than long-wavelength light, such as red and orange light. This causes the short-wavelength light to be scattered in many directions, making it appear less intense to an observer. At the same time, the long-wavelength light is scattered less and is able to pass through the smoke more easily, making it appear more intense. As a result, the sun appears red when viewed through smoke! A zebra may not be able to change its stripes, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t unique from the crowd. Did you know each zebras pattern is different? Sort of like finger prints! Fun fact: a group of zebras is called a 'dazzle.' And get this, zebras can run up to 40 mph! 🦓💨 #zebra #savannah #wildlife #animals #nature #natgeoyourshot