Do Gray Wolves Still Need Protection?

Not everyone is happy about gray wolves returning to the endangered species list. Some people argue that the animals have recovered to the point that they no longer need protection. In addition to the 6,000 gray wolves in the contiguous U.S., as many as 11,000 live in Alaska. Some people think the government should focus on protecting animals that face greater threats to their survival. 

Not everyone is happy about gray wolves returning to the endangered species list. Some people argue that the animals have recovered. They think the creatures no longer need protection. In addition to the 6,000 gray wolves in the contiguous U.S., as many as 11,000 live in Alaska. Some people think the government should focus on protecting other animals. They say other species face greater threats to their survival. 

^{Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources}

In addition, wolves have been known to kill livestock, including cattle and sheep. Some farmers and ranchers have had to spend thousands of dollars on fencing, guard dogs, and other measures to protect their animals. They say being able to hunt wolves is necessary to keep their livestock safe. 

“One year, I lost 26 calves due to gray wolf attacks,” Minnesota rancher Joe Wilebski explained in a statement.

^{Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources}

In addition, wolves have been known to kill livestock. This includes cattle and sheep. Some farmers and ranchers have had to spend thousands of dollars to protect their animals. They use the money on fencing, guard dogs, and other measures. They say being able to hunt wolves helps keep their livestock safe. 

“One year, I lost 26 calves due to gray wolf attacks,” Minnesota rancher Joe Wilebski explained in a statement.

Many scientists argue that although wolf numbers have increased, the population is still too small. After all, wolves don’t live in most of their former range (see map below). 

Plus, wolves are a keystone species. That means they have a big effect on their ecosystems. Wolves prey on large mammals, like elk. Fewer gray wolves would mean more elk to eat shrubs, trees, and other plant life. That would be bad for birds, beavers, and other animals that depend on those plants to survive.

“Without wolves, forests are less healthy,” says wolf expert Adrian Treves. 

Many people fear that removing wolves from the endangered species list would lead to an increase in hunting. Not long after wolves were delisted in 2020, hunters in Wisconsin killed more than 200 of them in less than three days. 

Many scientists say gray wolves still need protection. Yes, wolf numbers have increased. But scientists say the population is still too small. After all, wolves don’t live in most of their former range (see map below). 

Plus, wolves are a keystone species. That means they have a big effect on their ecosystems. Wolves prey on large mammals, like elk. Fewer gray wolves would mean more elk. The elk eat shrubs, trees, and other plant life. That would be bad for animals that depend on those plants to survive. This includes birds, beavers, and more.

“Without wolves, forests are less healthy,” says wolf expert Adrian Treves. 

Many people fear that removing wolves from the endangered species list would lead to an increase in hunting. Gray wolves were delisted in 2020. Not long after, hunters in Wisconsin killed more than 200 of them in less than three days.

1. What are three years you’d include on a timeline about gray wolves? Why? 
2. How could birds and beavers be affected if gray wolves were to become extinct?
3. Why might some ranchers have strong opinions about gray wolf protections?

1. What are three years you’d include on a timeline about gray wolves? Why? 
2. How could birds and beavers be affected if gray wolves were to become extinct?
   
3. Why might some ranchers have strong opinions about gray wolf protections?