In 1995, 14 wolves were released in Yellowstone National Park.
No one expected the miracle that the wolves would bring.
It started with the wolves hunting the deer, this led to a rapid decrease in the deer population. The wolves' presence also made the deer avoid parts in the park where they were and easy prey.
Thanks to the deer's absence, those parts started to regenerate. Forests of aspen and willow trees started to flourish.
That's when things really started to happen. With trees and bushes came more berries and bugs. As soon as that happened, various bird species started moving in.
With the increasing tree population, also another species was attracted. The beaver, previously extinct in the region, moved back. And the dams they built provided habitats for otters, muskrats and reptiles.
The wolves also killed coyotes, which meant more hawks, red foxes, badgers and weasels in the park. Even the population of bald eagles and ravens rose.
But here's where it gets really interesting. The wolves changed the behavior of the rivers. With more balance between predator and prey came the possibility for other species to thrive. There was less erosion because of increased vegetation. And the river banks were stabilized, the channels narrowed, more pools formed, and the rivers stayed more fixed in their courses.
So the wolves did not only transform the great ecosystem of Yellowstone, they also changed the park's physical geography.
I saw wolves occasionally where I used to live. It was the most incredible experience. Every time. I once saw a whole pack of them running along the edge of the forest. Wow!
Gray #wolves were reintroduced to #Colorado in December 2023, the latest attempt in a decadeslong effort to build up wolf populations in the Rocky Mountain states.
What is special about this reintroduction in Colorado, and how can humans coexist with wolves?
Here's a re-colored version of my wolf art, this time in more neutral tones. I sometimes saw wolves where I used to live and let me tell you, it was always a huge thrill!
Really great to see Nina Eydelman of Animal Protection of New Mexico standing up to ranchers:
“Wolves belong in the #wild and each individual wolf is essential to the species’ survival. Ranchers who choose to place their domestic cattle on our #PublicLands should have to accept the conditions that come with those public lands, including the presence of healthy populations of native #carnivores. #Wolves were there first.”
#Norway has declared all-out WAR on #biodiversity: they're now #DeepSeaMining, killing HUNDREDS of #whales, wrecking coastlines around the globe with intensive #salmon farms & shooting endangered #wolves from helicopters
Great news! The reintroduction of #wolves to #Colorado will continue as planned after Friends of Animals, Colorado Parks and Wildlife and other animal advocacy groups thwarted the meat industry’s desperate last-ditch lawsuit to block the underway plan. friendsofanimals.org/foa-intervenes…
Wolves, with their widespread distribution from North America to Eurasia, are ecologically vital as keystone species, playing a critical role in maintaining the health and balance of ecosystems by regulating prey populations. Their influence extends to increasing biodiversity and reshaping landscapes, thus fostering more robust and diverse natural environments.
As an #author I often assume knowledge that I should ask about. So, here's the ask: As an average person, if you saw a woman in an urban situation with a #wolf (it is a wolf but nobody is saying it is a wolf), would you assume it was a #dog?
Please boost for maximum sample size.
Feel free to comment if you have experience with telling the difference or studying #wolves.
An opinion piece published yesterday in the #BillingsGazette explores #CodyRoberts ' #torture of a young female #wolf in Daniel, #Wyoming. By now, most of you have heard the news or seen the disturbing photos and videos. We remain disgusted by the #cruelty, as does our partner and op-ed author #JeffEwelt.
In his op-ed, Jeff Ewelt, the Executive Director of #ZooMontana and a partner of The #RelistWolves Campaign,
• Send a letter urging the State of #Wyoming to ban the use of snowmobiles and other motorized vehicles to chase down and kill #wolves and other animals.