Wolf Conservation www.nwf.org

Table of Contents 1. Background of Wolf Reintroduction 2. Conservationist View 3. Opponents View 4. Why Wolves are Important 5. How do we form a Effective Management Plan

Thesis Since the wolf was added to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, their numbers have led western states to debate which action is best to form an effective management plan that benefits a healthy eco-system.

Early in the 20th century wolves were considered a problem or nuisance and were hunted to near extinction.

Fairy tales have portrayed the wolf as a threat to human existence.

Wolves have a disciplined, well organized social structure. They live in packs that share duties and cooperate while hunting. Wolves are very intelligent, highly evolved and misunderstood animals.

Conservationist believe the wolf is vital to a healthy eco-system. Wolves tend to cull mostly the sick and lame, very old and young and biologically inferior members of a herd. Insure “survival of the fittest.” Prevents over population, starvation and the spread of disease.

Threaten their livelihoods and economic growth. Opponents Ranchers, farmers, hunters and outfitters see the wolf as a Thrill-Killer. Threaten their livelihoods and economic growth. A danger to human lives.

“ Preliminary research suggest that wolves are causing what we call a ripple effect.”- Douglas Smith, Yellowstone wolf biologist.

Ranchers are compensated for livestock losses through several funds one being the conservation group Defenders of Wildlife.

Wolf Management programs will have to set guidelines for wolves that are coming into close contact to humans.

If the wolf populations begin to get too high a hunting season could be opened to reduce numbers if needed.

We must learn from the mistakes of the past and make sure not repeat them.

Conclusion To come to an effective management plan we will have agree on a solution that will benefit all parties involved. We must not come up with drastic changes without first looking at what we may lose in the long run. We must as humans try not to control the wolf but learn to find ways to live with him as he must learn to live with us.

The sound of a wolf howling in the distance should not be a fearful thing but, a invigorating sign that all is well with the world.