Bring Back the Wolves

Bring Back the Wolves

            While the Adirondacks form a breathtakingly majestic arena, they presently lack a former resident that embodies their majesty: the wolf. In 1899, Reuben Cary shot what was thought to be the last remaining wolf in the Adirondack Park, but since then, sever lone predators have made their way back into the region (Stevens). The reappearance, albeit infrequent, of these animals in their former habitat serves as a reminder of what once was. 100 years ago, Adirondack dwellers could watch the sun set behind a towering line of peaks while a chorus of howls surrounded them; a chilling yet beautiful aural representation of the wilderness.

In addition to their existence value, which for me is priceless, wolves provide numerous benefits to the ecosystem. As an apex predator, wolves essentially keep everything in check and change the system in a sort of domino effect. The classic example given is that of the wolves returning to Yellowstone Park. There, free from fear of wolf predation, moose browsed the riverside vegetation away and destroyed the habitat of many creatures. When the wolves returned, the moose avoided the riversides, allowing for the return of the vegetation, which in turn brought back nesting birds, which brought back rodents, which finally brought back coyotes and fox (Crawford). As demonstrated by the Yellowstone example, the re-introduction of such an important species has potential benefits that cannot be predicted from the outset. According to Peter Bauer, the executive director of preservation group ‘Protect the Adirondacks,’ wolf re-introduction could have “similar types of very subtle yet profound changes on the ecological landscape of the Adirondacks,” (Crawford).

Of course, some are opposed to the re-introduction of wolves into the Park, namely those with livestock at stake. Currently, there are no inexpensive ways in which to remedy this concern and it may be enough to prevent any further investigation into action. However, the return of the wolf could benefit the Park in other economic ways. Wolf tourism in the Yellowstone scenario accounted for $35.5 million in revenue to the surrounding areas (Defenders). Perhaps there is a way to funnel this newfound income in a manner that compensates the livestock owners for any potential damage the wolves bring to their property.  

The validity of arguments on both sides requires much more research to be done. Hopefully, the arguments against do not provide enough backlashes so that this research won’t be carried out. Such a creature deserves to have its home back and such a landscape deserves to experience the benefits of this creature’s return.

Works Cited:

Crawford, Charlotte. "Should we Bring Wolves and Cougars Back to the Adirondacks." North Country Public Radio.Web. <http://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/29263/20150820/should-we-bring-wolves-and-cougars-back-to-the-adirondack-wilderness>.

Defenders of Wildlife. "The Economic Benefits of Wolves." Defenders of Wildlife.Web. <http://www.defenders.org/places-for-wolves/economic-benefits-wolves>.

Stevens, Scott. "Are Wild Wolves Making A Return?" Adirondack.net. 2011.Web. <http://www.adirondack.net/whatsnew/2011/10/wild-wolves-return.html>.