Wolves in the Northern Rockies are in need of protection now more than ever. The population of wolves has been steadily decreasing due to the lack of protection for them. The wolf has made an amazing comeback from their endangered species status; however it looks as if history may repeat itself yet again.

Why They’re in Danger Again

In the early 1970’s the Northern Rocky Wolf was listed on the endangered species list. The wolf has long been hunted for their warm fur, which was a necessity many years ago.  Now, however, they are hunted so that their fur can be used as a fashion statement.  Hunters have made a sport out of hunting this animal and there are few hunting regulations with respect to hunting these wolves.

As a result of efforts made by many individuals and organizations, the wolf population has grown and as a result to their successes, the wolf was removed from this list. Although they are not yet on this list again, there is evidence to support the fact that they are on their way there again.

After there was much effort put in to reestablishing this species and they were removed from the endangered species list, protection for them became null and void.  Because of this, there has been free reign to hunt these animals and disturb their natural habitat.

The wolf in the Northern Rockies flourished after the campaign to restore their population.  The wolf population grew exponentially and people began to complain. Farmers and residents of rural areas began to call them a nuisance and wanted the government to step in to control their numbers. The sport of hunting them rose in popularity and as such, more and more wolves were lost due to this.

What You Can Do to Help

The most important thing you can do is to create more awareness about this issue. You can talk with the people you know about this issue so that you can spread the knowledge among the general population. Make sure that you do not support in any way any organization that is involved with hunting these precious animals or disturbing their natural habitat. Get involved with organizations that make it their business to protect the wolves by working with the government to enact laws that will prohibit harm to them.  Lastly, you can contact your governmental representatives to express to them the importance of this issue.

The wolves are not able to protect themselves on this level.  It is up to us to give them a voice. Get involved and educate others on this very important issue. Do not allow the lack of government involvement put these majestic animals back on the endangered species list.

Brady Olson is a conservation writer for savebiogems.org, a division of the National Resources Defense Council, which has mobilized to save the wolves of Yellowstone and the northern Rockies.  The wolves are once again at risk now that Congress has stripped them of their endangered species protection..

Image Source: Robert Dewar/Flickr