Coyotes historically inhabited deserts and prairies in Central and Western North America, but their range widely expanded due to wolf elimination, as well as largescale logging and agricultural developments in the 1900s. We know you are all eager to see more from the veterans and animals at LARC, but for now there are no plans for renewing the show. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheSunUS and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunUS. Breeders are mixing wolves and dogs and selling them at premium prices as one of the new trophy pets. This dedication to the wolf and future generations is something that he and his team strive for every year so that their impact can be felt for generations.. His psychiatrist wrote a prescription for parrot therapy at my sanctuary and it really worked. He led several missions to rescue wolves and wolf dogs throughout North America. 3 Matt Simmons has been arrested for allegedly hoarding firearms Credit: Handout - Getty Home; About. This MIN-GSW-PHI Trade Features Karl-Anthony Towns, Ben Simmons. (14-12-26), senior William Perachi (7-15-22) and junior Charlie Hardiman (9-12-21). The Canidae family encompasses a diverse group of primarily carnivorous mammals34 or 35 species, depending on the source consulted. Matthew Simmons is the former chief operating officer of Lockwood Animal Rescue Center (LARC). The Vulpes genus of the Caninae subfamily comprises what are known as true foxes. Natural control of the coyote population via the reintroduction of wolves does not lead to these issues. Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA The Wolves have scored 1.255 points per possession when Luka Garza has been on the floor this season. Ecological studies in Yellowstone National Park have helped affirm this relationship. Also Animal Services and US Fish and Wildlife contact us when animals are seized and we work with law enforcement and other governmental agencies. The 21st century marked a new era for animal rights. I had always planned to rescue horses and started off rescuing horses used in the Premarin pharmaceutical trade where mares are kept pregnant and catheterized to collect their urine for menopause drugs thus, Pregnant Mare Urine or Premarin. Ted's Bio; Fact Sheet; Hoja Informativa Del Ted Fund; Ted Fund Board 2021-22; 2021 Ted Fund Donors; Ted Fund Donors Over the Years. Unsurprisingly, the successful reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone has had a direct impact on the parks elk population: between 1995 and 2000, elk made up 50 percent of the typical wolfs diet. They serve as keystone species in many biological communities, meaning that these ecosystems rely on them to maintain stability and biodiversity. It ran for one season and eight episodes. Matthew Simons is 49 years old and was born on 12/15/1973. While scientists believe that complete reversal of the damage to Yellowstones ecosystem is likely impossible, many credit the wolf with helping prevent an eventual collapse. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheSunUS and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunUS. Previously present in all US states save Hawaii, gray wolves were nearly driven to extinction in the country through a century-long, systematic eradication campaign by private landowners and the federal government. Ventura County Sheriff's deputies were assisted in serving the warrant by Narcotics and Gangs Units and California State Parks officers. He led several missions to rescue wolves and wolf dogs throughout North America. Researchers have also documented greater ecological diversity in the 25 years since wolf reintroduction. We also do campaigns in the wilderness to protect wild wolves. The parents who fear their 11-year-olds will be scarred for life by the graphic sex education lessons that Two Insulate Britain protesters are jailed for contempt of court after they defied a judge's orders not to 'Derek fights on, it makes me fall in love with him all over again:' Kate Garraway reveals there are days French authorities fear 'narco-tourists' could flock to Normandy beaches after 'more than two tonnes of Hopes for cervical cancer vaccine after trials in mice showed it reduced tumours 80 per cent of the time. Matthew is a US Navy veteran and comes from a family of veterans, as do I. Meanwhile, he did not neglect his military duties in Savannah, and when in 1749 Mary Musgrave, now Mary Bosomworth, assumed the title of Independent Empress, and, putting herself at the head of a large body of warriors, set out for Savannah to demand from the presi dent and council a formal acknowledgment of her assumed rights the militia was . As vegetation was continuously removed from the riverbanks, water eroded the banks and the rivers widened. The wolf-dogs are quite a high dog content so are very friendly and are quite sociable. While running LARC, he established Wolves and Warriors, an initiative that hires combat veterans to help with anti-poaching missions meant to protect wolf. . According to the Encyclopedia of Ecology, predation is the ecological process whereby a transference of energy occurs between two living animals. The skulls muzzle portion is more elongated than the cat familys, for instance, and they have bushy tails with a pelage that varies with the season. Ventura County Sheriff's deputies received a search warrant on Monday to search his home for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, according to TMZ. TMZ claims he is a convicted felon, so was charged with "felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, possession of an assault weapon, carrying a concealed firearm within a vehicle, carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle, unlawful transfer of a firearm, and possession of a substance, material, or any combination with intent to make any destructive device/explosive". The series spotlights the centre's . Wolves & Warriors follows husband & wife team, Matt Simmons and Dr. Lorin Lindner. According to researchers, confirmed litters of pups in 2021 from wolves released on Isle Royale offer hope for ecological recovery on the island. Simmons starred in the 2018 docuseries Wolves and Warriors with his clinical psychologist wife Lorin Lindner. We learned that doing parrot rescue these wolfdogs are getting relinquished just as frequently as the parrots who need re-homing. Senior Ryan Dolan headlines the Warriors defensive crew, while senior Andrew Ladd in in goal. Wolves rarely kill more than they can eat and primarily target sick and aging members of the herd, which removes these animals from the breeding pool and increases the availability of food for younger, reproductively active individuals. According to researchers, confirmed litters of pups in 2021 from wolves released on Isle Royale offer hope for ecological recovery on the island. Some commonly known predators are lions and wolves, but other smaller animals can also be predatorsfor example, ladybugs, which feed on tiny insects called aphids. This species is very large but tends to be indifferent to people. Clothing chains such as Forever 21 decided to halt the sale of all fur products. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Being part of a pack is something veterans are very familiar with and returning to one in the form of a wolf pack is extremely meaningful. The two are the caring brains behind Lockwood Animal Rescue Center in Ventura. Elk and deer multiplied and stripped vegetation from highlands and along streams, which led to stream erosion, water-temperature changes, fewer materials for beavers to construct dams, and fewer nesting places for birds. This service is provided on News Group Newspapers' Limited's Standard Terms and Conditions in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie Policy. While running LARC, he established Wolves and Warriors, an initiative that hires combat veterans to help with anti-poaching missions meant to protect wolf populations. In the latter case, prey may make themselves larger if threatened, as is the case with pufferfish, making it more difficult or even impossible for the predator to ingest them. They both suffer from similar traumatic experiences. Many combat veterans, especially those with PTSD, do not want to work in close, confined quarters with bright lights and lots of people around. It was time for us to start a new non-profit to help wolves and wolfdogs. (20) 2018 7+. The Lockwood Animal Rescue Center (LARC) is a unique animal welfare and veterans' rehabilitation center. Bergh aimed to champion animal rights and grant animals legal protection from abuse. Even if caught, the prey will likely fight back or make it difficult for the predator to eat or bite them. Population reduction also increases food availability for the remaining coyotes, allowing mothers to birth healthier pups. Simmons had been retained by the Waystation. Warriors and Wolves brings the veterans and animals "pretty close" together, according to Navy vet Drew Bolli. Moths, a typical prey for birds, tend to look like the bark of the trees where they rest. Baskin offered Big Cat Rescue's aid in re-homing the animals still at the zoo, but Lowe declined, later explaining to People that he was relocating them to his new Tiger King Park in Thackerville . Myths about wolves, such as strict social hierarchies and surplus killing activity, continue to circulate. As they have come under attack as of late, Mr. Simmons and his team are active in protecting this national treasure. Joint venture: Simmons starred in the 2018 docuseries Wolves And Warriors along with his wife Lorin Lindner, a clinical psychologist. At this rescue the focus of Animal Planets new show Wolves and Warriors the pair cares for, rehabilitates and releases wolfdogs (wolf/dog hybrids), wolves, coyotes and foxes in need of a little extra help. In North America, the Caninae family is widespread in all three extant genera: Canis, Vulpes, and Urocyon. During the programs first year of operation, Matthew Simmons and his team protected more than 300 wolves. In 2021 researchers found the remains of 13 moose who starved to death, compared to the one or two in years with abundant vegetation. Whale sharks visit Isla Mujeres from June to August. An animal rights activist, Matthew Simmons works with military veterans to protect wolves and other predators from poaching and other illegal activities. Chronic inbreeding and low genetic diversity reduced the islands wolf population to only two individuals by 2016, which enabled moose numbers to surge over the next five years at a pace too rapid for plant life to replenish. His Wolves and Warrior program, in . However, if practiced in the right conditions and with the help of professionals, even people who are inexperienced may find swimming with sharks to be an exciting way to connect with nature. His team, called WildGuard, go into eh wilds of North America to protect wolves. The star of Animal Planet's docuseries was allegedly hoarding a huge cache of weapons, which is illegal for convicted felons. Wolves and Warriors In the eyes of Matt Simmons and Lorin Lindner, wolves are a misunderstood, majestic animal. However, the two first are extinct, leaving only living species of the Caninae subfamily, divided into four genera: the extinct Leptocyon, Urocyon, Canis, and Vulpes. In this role, he engages combat veterans in the rescue and rehabilitation of wolf populations. People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) was founded in 1980. Animal Planet 'Wolves and Warriors' Star Matt Simmons Busted For Guns, Do not sell or share my personal information. He starred in the 2018 docuseries Wolves And Warriors along with his wife Lorin Lindner, a clinical psychologist. A 2020 Oregon State University (OSU) study linked the suppression of elk to the recovery of tall willows. This grueling commitment to balance our planet and protecting the wolf pushes them to the brink at times. Canis Lupis were once among the most widely distributed wild mammal in North America. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. A select group of veterans participate in LARCs WolfGuard campaign protecting wolves in the wild. Facebook gives people the power. of dogs greeting me when I get home I have to sit down before they come barreling over! The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Protecting Animals is Our Priority. The Wolves keep Russell, meanwhile the Sixers get extra pieces they . Simmons posted $100,000 bail and was scheduled to appear in court on June 11. In 2010, Matthew Simmons founded Wolves and Warriors, a nonprofit initiative to benefit military veterans and apex predators, including the wolf, in Frazier Park, California. Meanwhile, arctic foxes are native to the polar regions and exist in northern Canada and Alaska. According to the NBA rumor mill, Ben Simmons really wants out of Philadelphia, and he prefers a trade to one of the competitive California teams like the Lakers, Clippers, or Warriors. WOLVES AND WARRIORS follows U.S. Navy veteran Matt Simmons and Dr. Lorin Lindner, the husband and wife team behind Lockwood Animal Rescue Center (LARC), a private sanctuary that rescues wolves and wolf-dog hybrids whose lives are threatened by poachers, illegal breeders and other perils. Results. Golden State Warriors receive: Jimmy Butler and Andre Iguodala Miami Heat receive: Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, Eric Paschall, No. The wolf is one of the most misunderstood animals in North America, in part due to a history of persecution and an association with villainy and savagery that dates to colonial times. Long-term biodiversity loss and keystone species exclusion can lead to stark consequences, including irrevocable ecosystem damage and alterations. PETAs mission is to defend animal rights in four main fields: factory farming, clothing trade, laboratory research, and entertainment. Matthew Simmons Founder of Frazier Park, CAs Wolves and Warriors. And shelters contact us because the shelter personnel do not want to put these animals down even though it is required. After trainer Dawn Brancheau died as a result of a killer whale attack, SeaWorld reviewed its animal treatment standards and breeding programs. Domesticated animals are great as companions and healers but part-wild or wild animals do not have to allow you in their pack, and when they choose you that is magic. The reason this might be notable? Freshman Matthew Dickson contributed in a big way. Today, an estimated 528 wolves make their homes somewhere in the greater Yellowstone region, with nearly 100 living in the park itself. Canids inhabit several environments across temperate and tropical parts of the world. Protecting wild wolves from illegal hunting, trapping and poaching is another goal as well as protecting their natural habitats. You get to learn about the stories behind many human and dog characters and get to see how the centre is run. He read a beautiful poem by a Native American writer and I carried a bouquet of feathers that had dropped from the parrots over the course of several years. June 14, 2022; indigo child symbol This enables divers to look at the great whites in their natural territory. Weapons charges:Matt Simmons of the Animal Planet docuseries Wolves And Warriors is shown in his mugshot after being arrested Monday for allegedly being a felon in possession of guns and ammunition. In recent years we have seen those numbers plummet! Having seen combat as a member of the United States Navy in Operation Desert Storm, Matthew Simmons developed Wolves and Warriors into a rehabilitation program for . These wolves live in varied habitats, such as forests, tundra, grasslands, mountains, and deserts, with a life span of six to 13 years in the wild. By 1926, the last gray wolf in the park had been killed, and not long after that, wolf sightings became a rarity in every part of the continental United States. T There, some shark tourism companies allow certified divers to spend nearly an hour on the oceans bottom inside a steel cage. His work to preserve wolf populations and other apex predators has been documented in an Animal Planet show called Wolves and Warriors, as well as the award-winning documentary The War in Between. Combined with helping animals, LARC operates the Warriors and Wolves program which brings veterans to our sanctuary to help them learn valuable job skills for future permanent employment, and to learn ways to help them reintegrate into society and reunite with friends and families. Simmons was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility for the following felony charges: PC 29800 (a) (1) - Felon in possession of a firearm, PC 30305 (a) (1) - Felon in possession of ammunition, PC 30605 (a) - Possession of assault weapon, PC 30610 (a) - Possession of a .50 BMG, PC 30600 (a) - Import/manufacture This effect materialized in wilderness areas of Northwest America following the systematic eradication of wolves in the country by settlers during the 1900s. Veterans can feel like their lives have meaning again, they have a purpose and this gives them a sense of dignity and honor. As the rivers continued to widen, their temperatures climbed, completely changing the makeup and distribution of the fish species present. Matt Simmons and Lorin Lindner find wolves as majestic animals. Law enforcement sources said that Simmon was arrested for investigation of multiple charges, including: felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, possession of an assault weapon, carrying a concealed firearm within a vehicle, carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle, unlawful transfer of a firearm, and possession of substance, material, or any combination with intent to make any destructive device/explosive. In addition, the veterans learn job skills that help them acquire meaningful, well-paying jobs in their communities. Dr. Lorin Lindner and Matt Simmons are saving the world's wolves and helping America's veterans at the same time. During years of lower vegetation regrowth, wolves preferred prey shifts from female to male elk. Most of our dogs are Great Danes or German Shepherds from Westside German Shepherd Rescue. Their fur is white and thick, with seasonal camouflage for the summer. Despite all reports suggesting that Ben Simmons wants to leave the Philadelphia 76ers, the team has refused to budge when it comes to price.ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski recently reported that the . These sharks are entirely safe to be around, and they stay near the waters surface, so there is no need for deep diving. The movement established World Day for Farmed Animals, as well as the Great American MeatOut annual event. Scuba divers can hire dive boat operators to guide them to the east side of Tetamanu Pass, where they can sit on the oceans bottom watching marine wildlife. Sometimes Matthew goes by various nicknames including Matthew Simmons, Matthew Hoobler Simmons, Matt Simons and Matthew H Simmons. Woman Who Couldn't Bear the Thought of Old Dogs Dying Alone Turns Home into Canine Hospice, New York Farm Animal Rescue Finds Buddies in Blind Horses Looking for Fuller, Happier Lives, Michigan Dog Who Chewed Off Leg to Escape Neglect Gifted with Road Trip to New Shelter Home, Deaf Dog at Austin Shelter Learns Commands Through Hand Signals, Finds Home After 240 Days, Bear Kept in Narrow Cage for 20 Years Moves to Spacious Sanctuary to 'Find Her Bear Friends', Clear The Shelters Saves 167 Shelter Pets With Rescue Flight to Kick Off 2021 Adoption Campaign, Artist Mark Barone Paints Portraits of 5,500 Euthanized Dogs to Raise Awareness About the Plight of Shelter Animals. The wolf is a keystone species in many regions with wild herds of ungulates, their preferred prey. In 1992 the environmental impact statement compiled as part of the wolf recovery plan estimated an annual net gain of $19 million from wolf-driven tourism in the greater Yellowstone area, and data from visitor surveys between 2004 and 2006 credited wolves with an annual average of $35 million in tourism expenditures. Simmons starred in the 2018 docuseries Wolves and Warriors with his clinical psychologist wife Lorin Lindner. Navy veteran: The Navy veteran starred in the 2018 series on Animal Planet. Canis is the most prominent genus of the Canidae family, with multiple species and subspecies. Although the content may appear to contain current photos of Mr. Simmons with LARC's wolves, these actually are old photographs taken prior to his termination in October 2020. Wolves regard coyotes as competition and will drive off or kill them if they come too close or scavenge their kills. WOLVES and Warriors star Matt Simmons has been arrested "after cops discover 15 firearms in his house and car.". After humans eliminated wolves in the area, the ecosystem underwent a dramatic transformation. As soon as I became licensed to practice psychology I devoted my practice to helping homeless veterans and now veterans in need of job training and employment as well as housing. Located on a 20-acre facility with a 3,000-acre buffer, we offer both the veterans and our rescued animals an . We also offer a therapeutic environment for combat veterans suffering from trauma . matthew simmons wolves and warriors. At the same time, potential prey is evolutionarily equipped with a system of defense against predators. In Yellowstone, wolf reintroduction facilitated ecological stabilization. He's such an extraordinary stopper that he could improve Minnesota's dreadful defense a. Season 1. They also are mysterious, intelligent, protective and loyal, but because poachers, illegal breeders and other perils threaten their lives, Matt and Lorin come to the rescue. Matthew Simmons has extensive experience with apex predators as a former animal control officer and part of a support team working with bears, primates, big cats, and wolves. Today, misinformation and negative stereotypes persist, often enabling politics and special interests to take precedence over science in wolf management and conservation. Researchers have also documented greater ecological diversity in the 25 years since wolf reintroduction. This increase in coyote populations negatively impacted foxes, badgers, and other smaller carnivores that compete with them for food. Each of the six subspecies of the island gray fox is unique to the island where it lives. Wolves And Warriors ran for one season with eight episodes. Matt Simmons serves on the boards of several other animal advocacy groups.. Visit ESPN to view the latest Minnesota Timberwolves news, scores, stats, standings, rumors, and more Simmons was motivated by the 1973 energy crisis to create an investment banking firm catering to oil companies. The ASPCA focused on animal rescue initiatives such as ambulance services for injured horses. Before entering the water, research sharks and how to act around them for your and the sharks safety. In 1987, a high school student refused to participate in a frog dissection, sparking animal rights debates on a national scale. Biological diversity also dropped due to insufficient vegetation for beavers and birds. With Hollywoods portrayal of sharks as evil and vicious predators, many people believe that swimming with sharks is unavoidably dangerous. Interestingly, the island gray fox is only found in six of the eight Channel Islands of California. View the profiles of people named Matthew Simmons. Evidence of wolves ecological importance sparked the launch of recovery programs in Yellowstone and Isle Royale in 1995 and 2018, respectively. Courtesy DR. LORIN LINDNER & MATT SIMMONS, Rehabilitation Begins for Former Research Beagles in Hopes of Finding Their Forever Homes, Fluffy Frenchie Overcomes His 'Disgusting' Past to Help Rescue Dogs from Puppy Mills, James Cromwell Is Helping an Animal Group Build a Sanctuary to End Bear Bile Farming in Vietnam, Meet the N.J. Woman Saving 600 Animals at Her Rescue After Escaping Domestic Abuse As a Child, Hero Police Dog, Basis for Netflix's 'Rescued by Ruby,' Euthanized Due to 'Untreatable Illness', Senior Dog Helps Older Animals Get Adopted and Pet Nonprofit Reach its $8 Million Donation Goal, WATCH: Senior Dogs Will Get a Special Shout Out During Puppy Bowl 2022, Mo. First and foremost, LARC provides employment outdoors in a natural, eco-therapeutic setting. After we got married we moved about 70 miles north of L.A. into the mountains of Ventura County. He was previously the head coach of the Italy national team and an . While running LARC, he established Wolves and Warriors, an initiative that hires combat veterans to help with anti-poaching missions meant to protect wolf populations. Lockwood Animal Rescue Centers (LARCs) goals are to bring attention to the plight of the wolfdog Part wolf and part dog talk about an identity crisis. 2019 Ted Fund Donors Additionally, when detected by a predator, prey will try to escape if they are fast runners, fliers, or swimmers. It featured nineteen matches across three weekends, including the 2022 All Stars match, which was won by the Mori All Stars 16 - 10, and the annual Charity Shield match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and St George Illawarra Dragons, which the . Long-term biodiversity loss and keystone species exclusion can lead to stark consequences, including irrevocable ecosystem damage and alterations. When herds become overabundant, their subsequent overgrazing of local vegetation leads to impeded plant regrowth. People who thought owning a part wild animal and keeping him or her in their homes was a good idea. Coyote populations also increased in the absence of wolves, which typically exhibit territorial aggression towards coyotes. He had been coming to the VA for help with his PTSD and related problems, and group therapy wasnt working for him. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. Tuesday, August 31, 2021. As recently as 2007, the park was home to approximately 171 wolves, but a decline among northern elk populations and human encroachment on wolf territory has nearly halved that number. Dr. Lorin Lindner and Matt Simmons are saving the worlds wolves and helping Americas veterans at the same time. This effect materialized in wilderness areas of Northwest America following the systematic eradication of wolves in the country by settlers during the 1900s. Email us at exclusive@the-sun.com or call 212 416 4552. Warriors and Wolves is a program that helps Vets overcome the trauma / PTSD of war; in providing a unbreakable bond between the sometimes (also) traumatized animals and the Vets. Suddenly, river-dwelling bird species had no place to build their nests. This spending included purchases at businesses such as hotels and restaurants. Swift foxes, on the other hand, are only found in North Americas western grasslands. June 28, 2021 3:05 pm ET. The eradication of wolves from the park in 1926 led to significant ecosystem alterations and degradation. Myths about wolves, such as strict social hierarchies and surplus killing activity, continue to circulate. By the 1990s, major makeup brands such as Avon and Revlon stopped testing their products on animals. A veteran himself, Mr. Simmons fought in both Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield as a decorated petty officer with the United States Navy. The results were nothing short of disastrous for local ecosystems, particularly at Yellowstone. Over time, the ASPCA contributed to the formulation and enforcement of federal laws that protect animal rights. In the eyes of Matt Simmons and Lorin Lindner, wolves are a misunderstood, majestic animal. Inside the residence, he allegedly possessed assault rifles, a sawed-off shotgun and thousands of rounds of ammo. In Nassau, there are professional shark feeders who offer cage-free tours for certified scuba divers. Their absence disrupts the ecosystem, with ramifications that can range from radical alteration to complete collapse. He has also assisted in rescuing 96 wolfdogs from an illegal breeder in Jamul, California. In the immediate aftermath of Cantona's attack on. It lives in the forests and shrublands of the southern half of North America and is mainly distinguished from other canids by its grizzled upper parts, its strong neck, and the black stripe down its tail. Matthew Simmons is the former chief operating officer of Lockwood Animal Rescue Center (LARC). Combining his dual passions for military veterans and wolves, Matthew Simmons entered the animal rescue shelter industry as an animal handler; as such, he demonstrated effective planning and leadership skills during dynamic animal rescue operations. Wolves provide population control for various species of ungulates, which include large hooved mammals such as elk, deer, and moose. We help them stay clean and sober, and we help connect them with other resources and benefits they may be entitled to. Minnesota would have to be active to make a Simmons trade happen without including Towns, Edwards or Russell. The Sixers have only two ways to improve this offseason: the draft and through trades. "We're told cops detained Simmons as he drove away from his residence, and deputies found a loaded .45 caliber handgun in his car and more guns and ammo in his home," the gossip site said. Deputies with the Ventura County Sheriff's Department served a search warrant Monday at his home for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, according to an article Tuesday by TMZ. As the Philadelphia 76ers move through the early part of the offseason after making a second-round exit for the third time in four seasons, the player most named in trade talks has been 24-year-old Ben Simmons, a three-time All-Star. Ecological studies have also concluded that wolves play a critical role in maintaining balance and stability in their native ecosystems. Matthew Simons lives in Los Angeles, CA; previous cities include Cincinnati OH and Santa Barbara CA. Matthew Simmons is the former chief operating officer of Lockwood Animal Rescue Center (LARC), which he founded to rescue non-domestic canines and engage in animal advocacy efforts.