- Wolves
- Wolves Information
- Wolf-dogs
- Research
- Wolf Expeditions
- Model Regulations & Suggested Requirements
- Genetics
- Conservation
- Rescue Organizations
- Transport
- Biodiversity
Wolves, also know as Canis Lupus, are an ice age survivor and have been around for about 300,000 years. They are the largest group in the family of Canidae and share the exact same DNA as the dog. Wolves were a very common predator but were effectively eradicated in many areas due to human encroachment, lack of habitat, hunting, misunderstanding and territorial destruction. Now, wolves are slowly making a comeback. With the return of the wolf to Yellowstone in 1995, studies have shown that this top predator is actually a vital source to a healthy ecosystem. (See: Trophic Cascade) In March 1998, three new packs of Mexican wolves were released into the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in Arizona. In 2007, wolves started to become de-listed from the Endangered Species Act in the mid-western United States. On February 21st, 2008, other states followed including the Northern Rocky Mountain areas: Montana, Wyoming and Idaho, a portion of north-central Utah and an eastern part of Oregon and Washington. The controversy over wolves is a continuing hot topic among ranchers, live-stock owners, hunters and wolf advocates and agencies today.