Colorado Needs Wolves
Predators play a dynamic and essential role in maintaining the health of ecosystems. Wolves prey mostly on animals that are young or elderly, sick or injured, and weak or unfit, thus helping to keep prey populations healthy and vigorous. By preventing large herbivores such as deer and elk from becoming overpopulated, wolves help maintain native biodiversity. When deer and elk become too abundant for their habitat, they overgraze and destroy the plant base, making the habitat less suitable for other species.
The complete removal of wolves from Colorado by 1943 has altered the natural relationships among animals and plants ecologically associated with wolves. This disruption led to increases in some species and declines in others, adversely affecting biological diversity. Removing large predators allowed smaller, more generalized predators to increase their numbers, range and exploitation of food sources. For example, when gray wolves were eliminated, coyote numbers exploded.
Here are a couple of excellent documentary videos that better explain why Colorado needs wolves:
Return to the Wild: A Modern Tale of Wolf & Man
A fair and open-minded look at the re-introduction of the gray wolf to the Northern Rockies, the friction it has caused, and the passionate debate it has stirred. The goal of the documentary is to address the issue of how man and predator can co-exist, in the hope of finding a balanced solution that addresses the needs of the ranchers, wildlife supporters, hunters, and most importantly, the wolves themselves.
Click here to watch or download “Return to the Wild”
Restoring the Wolf, Restoring the Wild
I was thrilled when one of my favorite wildlife conservation groups, WildEarth Guardians, contacted me about using some of my photos for their “Restoring the Wolf, Restoring the Wild” photo essay, narrated by Alan Arkin!
“The release is a celebration and a call to action. From the snowy peaks of the Colorado Rockies to the Mexican border and all throughout the American West, wolves are a symbol of freedom and wildness to cherish and protect.” – WildEarth Guardians
Teklanika Nature Photography 