A former rescue dog is helping scientists track rare and endangered species after being trained by Working Dogs for Conservation, a nonprofit based in Montana.
Charlie, an 8-year-old dog, has spent the past five years detecting elusive wildlife, including wolves in Canada and kit foxes in the southwestern United States. The organization trains rescued dogs to identify specific scents, aiding conservationists in monitoring ecosystems, detecting invasive species, and identifying environmental threats.
Founded more than two decades ago, Working Dogs for Conservation has carried out projects in dozens of countries, combining animal rescue with global environmental protection efforts.