The podcast discusses the search for two missing wolves in Yellowstone National Park and the discovery of foul play. It also covers the reward for the killer, the rescue of a mother wolf and her pups, the trial of Chad McKittrick for shooting an endangered wolf, and the restoration of wolves in the Yellowstone ecosystem.
The reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone successfully restored balance to the ecosystem by influencing vegetation, elk distribution, and the resurgence of other species.
The killing of Wolf 10 led to the establishment of the McKittrick policy, which holds defendants responsible for mistakes in identifying endangered species.
Deep dives
The Wolf Reintroduction Project in Yellowstone
The podcast episode discusses the Wolf Reintroduction Project in Yellowstone, where wolves were brought back to replenish the ecosystem. In the early 1900s, wolves were extensively killed, leading to imbalances in the ecosystem. The decision to reintroduce wolves faced strong opposition from ranchers. After heated debates, the conservationists won, and wolves were brought from Canada to Yellowstone in 1995.
The Killing of Wolf 10
The podcast recounts the killing of Wolf 10, one of the wolves reintroduced to Yellowstone. Chad McKittrick shot and killed Wolf 10, believing it was a wild dog. Dusty Steinmazel, who witnessed the killing, testified against McKittrick. McKittrick was convicted and sentenced but later appealed his conviction. The McKittrick policy was established, requiring the government to prove intent to harm an endangered species. In 2017, the policy was overturned, holding defendants responsible for mistakes in identifying animals.
Success and Legacy of the Wolf Reintroduction
The podcast highlights the success of the Wolf Reintroduction Project in restoring balance to Yellowstone. The return of wolves led to changes in vegetation, distribution of elk, and the resurgence of beavers and songbirds. The rejuvenated ecosystem demonstrated the importance of wolves as a keystone predator. As of 2023, Yellowstone is home to at least 108 wolves in 10 packs, including the descendants of the original reintroduced wolves.
In April of 1995, wildlife biologists flew small airplanes over Yellowstone National Park, looking for two missing wolves. “They’re just gone. And that’s implausible because wolves don’t just disappear.”
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