Biologists Debate Over Grey Wolf Return in Yellowstone

NTD Newsroom
By NTD Newsroom
November 9, 2020NTD News Today
share

Yellowstone wolf biologist Doug Smith was among those who brought the first wolves into the famous national park in 1995.

Twenty-five years later, the animals still fascinate visitors.

“Most scientists thought we should do this for ecological reasons. You know, we pretty much lopped off the top-level carnivores. And that restructured and changed the whole ecosystem.”

Thriving on big game herds, the population boomed to more than 300 packs. That means around 2,000 wolves total.

They occupy territory that stretches from the edge of the Great Plains to the forests of the Pacific Northwest.

A Colorado ballot initiative would reintroduce wolves on the state’s Western Slope.

The effort, if successful, could fill a significant gap in the species’ historical range.

It would create a bridge between the Northern Rockies gray wolves and struggling Mexican gray wolf packs in Arizona and New Mexico.

ntd newsletter icon
Sign up for NTD Daily
What you need to know, summarized in one email.
Stay informed with accurate news you can trust.
By registering for the newsletter, you agree to the Privacy Policy.
Comments