Report Says Wolves Good For Yellowstone
Scientists at Oregon State University have published a report claiming that wolves reintroduced into the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem are benefitting the park. Their announcement comes in response to a continuing controversy about wolves and their prey, and the overall impact of the animal in the area. The university published the report last Wednesday on the 15th anniversary of the return of wolves to the area. The report says the wolves are holding the elk population to levels that prevent overgrazing of the available habitat. With less browsing, the scientists say the parks trees and shrubs are recovering providing cover and food for songbirds and other species. Additionally, says Department of Forest Ecosystems Professor William Ripple, beaver numbers are increasing, and that, he says, is very encouraging. The findings of this report, based on a recent analysis done by OSU researchers and a review of many other studies as well, were just published in Biological Conservation, a professional journal.
