For the past 30 years or so, the elusive gray wolf has been an endangered species in the United States. Due to hunting and habitat loss, its numbers were close to extinction. Recently, these numbers have increased across the Western United States.
Over the summer, President Obama announced that the gray wolf populations are no longer endangered. In fact, the number of wolves in the U.S. is increasing. As a result, the state governments will now be managing this species.
In the past, gray wolves have been disliked by farmers because they hunt livestock. Ecologists fought for protecting gray wolves, however, because they are very beneficial. For example, gray wolves keep the deer populations under control. In turn, less deer means more grass for livestock to graze on.
Many people are worried that the states will not be able to protect their wolf populations. In contrast, the state governments are normally more prepared to manage specific populations. Also, conservation plans can be catered to specific state needs.
Instead of complaining about these changes, we should focus on this huge conservation success. After decades of reintroduction and public education, the gray wolf has made a comeback. Let’s continue to preserve their habitats, restore respect, and learn to love this beautiful predator.
Our ultimate goal should be:
working with others to conserve, protect and
enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and
their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people
-US Fish and Wildlife Services mission statement
