Josh Henderson and Ron Wooten to present ‘Ghost Wolves of Galveston’ at GC 2026-27 Lecture Series on Oct. 1

Josh Henderson of the City of Galveston’s Animal Services Unit and Ron Wooten of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will present “Ghost Wolves of Galveston” as part of the Galveston College 2026-27 Lecture Series “Discovering Galveston’s Environment” on Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m. in the Abe & Annie Seibel Wing at the college’s main campus, located at 4015 Ave. Q. in Galveston. The event is free and open to the community.

Henderson is a tenured animal-welfare professional, cruelty investigator, and supervisor of the City of Galveston’s Animal Services Unit, with nearly 20 years of experience in animal control, wildlife management, animal sheltering, veterinary care, community education, animal cruelty and animal bite investigations.

Henderson has played a central role in Galveston’s efforts to understand and coexist with the island’s unique wild canids—popularly known as Galveston’s “ghost wolves.” His work has included documenting and categorizing wildlife sightings, supporting genetic and field research, using GPS-collar and camera-monitoring data to study movement and behavior, and helping to translate scientific findings into practical guidance for residents and local officials.

Wooten is a wildlife biologist, educator, photographer and Outreach Specialist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. His curiosity about Galveston’s unusual coyotes ultimately led to the discovery of their connection to red wolf genetics.

After noticing that the animals did not look like typical coyotes, Wooten spent years documenting them, collecting samples, and pursuing genetic testing. His persistence helped spark groundbreaking research that brought the “Ghost Wolves of Galveston” to national attention. In 2018, he was named co-author of the landmark scientific article documenting the discovery.

With an extensive background in photojournalism, wildlife observation, science, and public outreach, Wooten brings a unique perspective to the Ghost Wolves story, combining firsthand experience, scientific curiosity and years of documenting the remarkable animals of Galveston Island.

For more information about the 2026-27 Galveston College Lecture Series, contact Hank Deslaurier at 409-944-1327, or by email at hdeslaurier@gc.edu.