Once at Risk, Wolf Populations Are Coming Back in These States

They were almost completely eradicated, but their return to the U.S. has been a welcome surprise—but not by all. Humans were once compensated for killing them, which ended in their near extinction. Now, these apex predators are stabilizing ecosystems again, returning with fervor to certain regions of the U.S. While some celebrate their return, others are up in arms about it. Sharing space with wolves enhances their chances of not just surviving but thriving, and while some populations keep increasing, others are at risk for extinction. Learn about the wolf species returning to the U.S.

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The U.S. is home to three primary wolf species. They include the gray wolf, the Mexican gray wolf, and the red wolf. Each of these species is found in specific parts of the country, and while some populations remain widespread, others are declining rapidly.

There was a difficult time for wolves in the early 20th century. Humans interjected and attempted to eradicate them. Ranchers would kill wolves to keep their livestock safe, and deforestation nearly destroyed wolf populations. Additionally, the government stepped in, offering rewards for residents who would kill wolves.

After realizing their mistake, the Endangered Species Act was passed in 1974. This protected wolf species through reintroduction. The process hasn't been as easy as one might think, but progress has been made over the years.

There are certain states where wolf populations are in the thousands, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Montana, and Idaho. In other states, there are wolf populations in the hundreds. Those states include Michigan, Wyoming, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and New Mexico.

Wolves remain in a region when they have what they need to survive. Plenty of prey is a good sign for wolves. However, it's ultimately the Endangered Species Act that protects them as they roam. Human conflict persists, but there are now compensation programs for ranchers that help to promote coexistence.

Wolves, though often depicted as big and bad, are helpers when it comes to the ecosystem. They aid in its balance by keeping prey populations well-regulated. When there's less grazing, the ground flourishes and teems with life, from vegetation to insects.

Ranchers have long fought back against wolves, but they have also been influential when it comes to their recovery. Compensation programs for losses are in place, and some ranchers are on board with coexistence, utilizing guard dogs and other safety measures to keep wolves away from their livestock.

Conservationists protect wolf species in various ways. They educate the public to bring awareness to the matter, they work with ranchers on safe coexistence, tackle legalities, and monitor wolf populations using GPS collars.

While gray wolves thrive, red wolves are critically endangered. There are only about 20 left, and they're all in North Carolina. The race is on to save these wolves before they become extinct.

Why are gray wolves doing so well? It's because they have lots of prey, the reintroductions have been successful, and they have legal protections that keep them safe. With all of these factors combined, gray wolves can roam without worry of being killed off.

Though not quite as bad off as the red wolf, the Mexican gray wolf is endangered. The reason they're struggling to make it to 300+ in their region near Mexico is because the habitat is fragmented, they're inbred, and killings continue, even though they're illegal.

Densely populated areas are not welcome to wolves. Neither are areas with habitat loss nor those where they don't have sufficient prey to maintain survival.

What starts out as spaced-out homes with plenty of greenery often turns into multiple road expansion projects, purchase of land, and more and more buildings. This pushes wildlife out, including wolves.

Climate change affects wolf populations in an indirect way through the increase of wildfires and the alteration of prey migration patterns. Entire ecosystems are impacted, and wolves have no choice but to adapt or lose the space they once called a comfy home.

It's been a conflict for decades, and wolves need it to stop so they can continue contributing to our ecosystems. They need space to thrive, not a constant threat from humans. These are the kind of predators that stabilize an environment, and awareness is the first step in protecting them.