Conan O'Brien's podcast, Conan O'Brien Needs A Fan, recently hosted Mike, a Canadian conservationist with a fascinating blend of wilderness expertise and wildlife adventures. Based in London, Ontario, Mike's previous work as a polar bear monitor in the Arctic and his ongoing engagement with training birds of prey provided a treasure trove of extraordinary anecdotes that captivated both Conan and co-hosts Sona Movsesian and Matt Gourley.

Living on the Edge: The Role of a Polar Bear Monitor

Mike’s work as a polar bear monitor involves a unique combination of bravery and ecological responsibility. Placed in the harsh Arctic tundra, his job was to escort individuals safely through polar bear territory. Polar bears, known for their aggressive behavior and predatory instincts, pose a real threat to humans. "If they smell you, see you, they’re coming to get you," Mike explained, pointing out their relentless pursuit in an environment where food is scarce. Unlike black bears or grizzlies, which might avoid human confrontation, polar bears see humans as a potential meal.

To ensure the safety of both the bears and humans, Mike was armed with a 12-gauge weapon. But his preference was to use non-lethal rounds, such as rubber slugs, to deter the polar bears without causing harm. Recounting a past encounter, Mike revealed, "The polar bear just kind of squinted its eyes and walked away," humorously likening the bear’s reaction to a disinterested Clint Eastwood. His dedication to conservation meant that he always prioritized giving the bears “every chance to get away” safely, despite some tense moments with his companions who were less confident in the face of danger.

An Owl Named ‘Interrupto’ Steals the Spotlight

The podcast took a humorous and memorable turn when Mike introduced an unexpected guest: a striking owl perched next to him. This wasn’t just any bird; it was one of the birds of prey he trains for conservation work. Conan, quick to embrace the serendipitous comedy of the moment, was given the honor of naming the bird on the spot. After some lively banter, the owl was christened "Interrupto" as a nod to its silent but commanding presence on the podcast—and the fact that it was perched on Mike's router, momentarily threatening to disrupt the connection.

Training Raptors for Conservation

Mike’s expertise with birds of prey like hawks, falcons, and even bald eagles opened a fascinating window into the world of wildlife training. His trained birds play a practical role in mitigating human-wildlife conflict, such as clearing songbirds from agricultural fields or seagulls from urban areas. Using a technique dubbed “car hawking,” Mike deploys hawks directly from his car window, where they swoop into action to scare off nuisance birds.

In one humorous misstep, a hawk Mike trained got confused and landed in the wrong Dodge Dakota during a job. The resulting chaos was described with the same comedic flair Conan lent to the podcast: the hawk, realizing its mistake, performed a metaphorical “walk of shame” back to Mike’s car, seemingly embarrassed. The story underscores not just the intelligence of these birds, but also their personality quirks, which make them both effective and endearing partners in conservation work.

Bald Eagles and Jealousy

Mike also shared his experience raising a bald eagle named Babe from an egg. While bald eagles are notoriously difficult to train due to their temperament—being opportunistic hunters who steal from other birds—Babe was unusually well-behaved except for one peculiar trait: she didn’t take well to women. Describing her as "super jealous," Mike noted that he had to take extra precautions when women were present, as Babe would visibly express her displeasure. The anecdote added another layer of charm and complexity to Mike’s already adventurous life.

Why This Matters

Mike’s stories resonate far beyond their entertainment value. They reveal the delicate balance conservationists must strike between protecting wildlife and ensuring human safety. His work illustrates how innovative, humane solutions can mitigate human-wildlife conflicts, whether it’s guiding individuals through a polar bear’s hunting ground without violence or using birds of prey to keep crops safe without resorting to harmful chemicals.

Conan and his co-hosts were as captivated as the audience by Mike’s blend of rugged practicality and humorous storytelling. Their playful banter around topics like the national symbolism of bald eagles (characterized on the show as “the dickiest of the birds”) added levity, but the deeper respect for Mike’s work was clear throughout the episode.

A Glimpse into Conservation’s Future

This conversation sheds light on the unsung heroes of conservation who work tirelessly—and creatively—toward coexistence between humans and wildlife. Technological innovations, such as using trained birds of prey, and the personal dedication of individuals like Mike suggest a future where ecological preservation doesn’t have to come at the cost of economic or personal interests.

For now, though, the image of "Interrupto” sitting proudly on Mike’s router reminds us that even in the field of wildlife conservation, there’s always room for a little humor and spontaneity.