Yellowstone Wolves in the Wild

Abstract

The Yellowstone wolves are possibly the most highly profiled and observed wild wolf population in the world and are “arguably the greatest wildlife experiment of the 20th century.” James Halfpenny, a renowned wildlife ecologist and educator for over 40 years, knows his subject. Not only has he taught outdoor education and environmental programs to many others, but he has lived in the Yellowstone ecosystem for years, observing wolves in his own back yard. Yellowstone Wolves in the Wild tells the story of these famous reintroduced wolves through the eyes of both seasoned wolf biologists and lucky park visitors in the right place at the right time. Perhaps you read The Wolves of Yellowstone1.Michael K. Phillips M.K. Smith D.W. The Wolves of Yellowstone. Voyageur Press, Stillwater, MN1996Google Scholar and are familiar with the controversial reintroduction of the wolf to the same ecosystem from which they were exterminated only a few decades before. Halfpenny has a lot to add; he begins where Smith1.Michael K. Phillips M.K. Smith D.W. The Wolves of Yellowstone. Voyageur Press, Stillwater, MN1996Google Scholar left off, telling the story of the fascinating wolf and the successful proliferation of a native species once lost. Highlights from the book include the following: •“Knowing the Yellowstone Wolves” (the wolf population grew from 14 in 1995 to more than 200 in 2002);•“The Territorial Imperative” (the author describes how wolves mark and establish turf, tells the story of one wolf trapped after taking a 175-mile journey to Ogden, UT, and relates stories of wolf packs in their attempt at often deadly conflict resolution within their species and with competing carnivores);•“Hunting and Predation” (describes how most wolves target the weakest, naive, young, and old compared to human hunters who will not take the old or infirm);•“Reproduction and Growth” (discusses denning behavior and mate theft in the wolf community);•“Behavior Within the Pack” (discusses typical alpha roles and play among wolves);•“Ecology” (discusses observed “kleptoparasitism by grizzly bears,” in which bears may use their larger size to steal a wolf-killed carcass); and•“Watching Wolves” (the author has it down to a science; exactly where and when to see the wild Yellowstone wolf with alarming accuracy). The appendix includes a list of just about every reputable wolf-focused organization and educational source in existence (including Web site addresses) for those who want to learn more. If the stories can’t hold your interest, the photography is sure to please. All photographs in the book were taken in the wild—no posed or captive shots. Graphics, maps, timelines, and photographs make the book an easy, quick, educational, and interesting read.