The Ecological Implications of Wolf Re-Introduction to Rocky Mountain National Park

Predators are the creatures we fear the most, understand the least, and are often vital to ecosystem health. During the settlement of the United States, wolves were hunted and trapped to near extinction. Fortunately, re-introduction has brought the American wolf back from the brink of extinction. Wolf re-introduction was first done in Yellowstone National Park. The introduction of Yellowstone wolf predation redefined the grazing habits of many herbivores helping much of the park\u27s vegetation and overall ecosystem regenerate to its former health. The information Yellowstone provides is invaluable in the planning for future wolf re-introduction into other parks. Rocky Mountain National Park is at the forefront of this looming decision. A lack of predators means elk have exceeded the carrying capacity and altering vegetation. Data presented will show what future ecological implications the re-introduction of wolves may have in the park