Reintroducing the Wolf to Yellowstone

Reintroducing the Wolf to Yellowstone

Wolves have always been a symbol of the wild, free in spirit and roamers of the land. These animals are considered majestic and protectors of the wilderness. They have always roamed the western United States, although their population has fluctuated over time. Over the past 10 years wolf reintroduction into Yellowstone National Park has been a controversial topic to those of the United States. As of 1995, wolves have been reintroduced into the park. This has come with some strong opposition and yet has prevailed. The future of the wolf in Yellowstone park is now looking bright, although not certain since there still are those who want them banished again.

History

Many hundreds of years ago wolves roamed the entire North American continent with no barriers and very few predators. As settlers moved into the United States, wolves became more and more scarce in the wild of America. As the wilderness areas of the United States declined, so did the population of the wolf, until there were only a few spots in the wild where wolves could still be found.

Wolves used to thrive in the western United States. There was ample game to hunt and plenty of places to live and wander. Until people moved in, wolves were settled. As European settlement expanded to the west, it began to take its toll on the wolves and their habitat. Clearing of the forests came first, which was then accompanied by significant over-hunting in this area (Noceker). Slowly wolves became concentrated into smaller and smaller areas in the west. Finally, they were assumed to be bothers to the ranchers and farmers and maybe a threat to those people who lived in the area.

As the United States matured, people realized that ...

... middle of paper ...

...h. "History and current status of the Yellowstone wolf restoration." September 19, 1999. http://www.poky.srv.net/~jjmrm/wpages/yell-o.htm

Maughan, Ralph. "Overview and history of the central Idaho wolf reintroduction." September 25, 1999. visted: October 4, 1999. http://www.poky.srv.net/~jjmrm/wpages/idaho-o.htm

Moody, Joan. ìHistoric Reintroduction Continues Despite Budget Cuts: Defenders Helps Fly Wolves to Yellowstone.î January 22, 1996. Visited: October 20, 1999. http://www.defenders.org/pr012296.html

Noceker, Robert J. ìCongressional Research Service Report for Congress Reintroduction of Wolves.î August 1, 1997. Visited: October 17, 1999.

http://www.cnie.org/nle/biodv-13.html

The Abundant Wildlife Society of North America (AWSNA), ìAn Argument against Wolf Reintroduction in Colorado.î visited: October 17, 1999. http://www.firstrax.com/antipro.htm