They are efficient hunters. They are skilled survivors in an unforgiving landscape. And they were once the kings of the northern Rocky Mountains.

During the past century, wolves were hunted almost to extinction. The famous call of the wild was lost in the lower 48 states.

The gray wolves of the northern Rockies were hunted mercilessly during the early part of the 20th century, when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was ordered to eradicate the gray wolf. The last pups were killed in 1924.

The slaughter of gray wolves dramatically reduced wildlife diversity and biodiversity in the Rocky Mountain states. And it changed the way the ecosystems functioned in the northern and western part of the United States. Wolves were seen as predators who threatened livestock. Hunters and ranchers carelessly continued to kill wolves, oblivious to the damage they were causing within Rocky Mountain ecosystems.

Much has changed since then. In the 1990s, the gray wolf, recognized for its importance in wildlife diversity, was reintroduced to areas in and near Yellowstone National Park. The gray wolf population has since made a remarkable comeback, increasing from 66 to 1,500 gray wolves. In March of 2008, they were removed from the endangered species list.

Scientists, and most members of the public, now recognize that a whole circle of life is supported by these wolves. The gray wolves provide carcasses for other animals that scavenge these remains, such as eagles, wolverines, coyotes, bears, chickadees, ravens, and scrub jays. They also maintain healthy predator-prey relationships with other native species such as elk and deer.

Though folklore often portrays wolves as villainous, wolves actually develop close bonds within their family groups. Some wolves develop such a deep affection for their families that they may sacrifice themselves to protect each other.

Wolves are not evil beasts inclined to attack humans on sight. In fact, out of all the animals in the forest, gray wolves are among the least likely to attack humans. The largest threat to wolves is the irrational fear fueled by myths and legends.

In the western states of Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, authorities will again allow the hunting of wolves starting this fall. This time, however, hunting will be regulated and used as a conservation tool.

Some environmental groups have voiced opposition to the decision that will remove gray wolves from the endangered species list. Researchers at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, however, maintain that these wolves have made their comeback and are now safe. They say that the gray wolf will never become threatened or endangered again.            

Wolves are here to stay, so long as people continue to value them. And in many areas of the western United Sates the call of the wild can be heard once again.

[Source: U.S. News and World Report; defenders.org]