Wolves once roamed nearly all of the U.S., playing a crucial role in balancing ecosystems. But over time, hunting and habitat destruction nearly wiped them out. Reintroduction efforts have sparked a national conversation about their role in the wild.
While the return of wolves has led to impressive ecological benefits, there are still plenty of questions. How do reintroduced wolves truly affect the landscape, and are we ready to live alongside them again?
We spoke with ecologist Dr. Joanna Lambert (Professor of Wildlife Ecology at University of Colorado) and Tim Ritschard (President of Middle Park Stockgrowers Association Colorado) to get their take on everything from the ecological benefits of wolves to concerns about human safety and livestock.
Chapters:
- 00:00 INTRO
- 01:05 YELLOWSTONE CASE STUDY
- 03:56 WOLF HISTORY
- 05:44 CURRENT WOLVES
- 07:06 CONTROVERSY AND COLORADO
- 11:27 THE REWILDING MOVEMENT
- 12:15 CONCLUSION
- 12:52 WRAP UP
650-Calorie Fuel