It is very Sad that even though Wolves were here before us… They are so Targeted!
What are the three most controversial topics in Yellowstone? Politics, religion and wolves! Bring up the subject of wolves with ten locals and your likely to get 10 different views. Anywhere from “It’s the best thing to happen to the area” to “Let them cause havoc somewhere else.”
Since this isn’t a political forum, I will not take sides, at least publicly, on the wolf controversy. But I will provide information on wolves.
First, let me say that I think that the wolf is a beautiful animal. But it is like all the other animals in the park; it is wild. As you look for wolves to view, you may be shocked to see wolves attack and kill another animal. In 1998, wolves in the Slough Creek area attacked a coyote that had wandered into their territory. It was viewed by many tourists and was a shock to some of them. Death is a part of nature, so if you think something like that would shock you, or your children, don’t go looking for it. On the other hand, I think it is a great opportunity to teach your children about nature, the food chain and the natural order of things.
Shortly after Yellowstone Park was established, predator control was practiced. In other words, predators such as wolves were killed. Between 1914 and 1926 over 136 wolves were killed. After that, wolf packs were rarely seen. By 1970, there was no evidence of a wolves in Yellowstone. The wolf is presently listed as “endangered” except in Minnesota where it is listed as “threatened.”