Freakonomics Radio 497. Can the Big Bad Wolf Save Your Life?
4 snips
Mar 24, 2022 
Jennifer Rayner, a natural resource economist at Wesleyan University, dives into the surprising benefits of wolves. She discusses how these predators could actually reduce the staggering number of deer-vehicle collisions, saving lives and money. Rayner unpacks the complex relationship between wolves and humans, reflecting on historical perceptions and conservation challenges. The conversation also touches on the symbolism of wolves in folklore and their ecological role, urging a reevaluation of narratives surrounding these misunderstood creatures.
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Big Bad Wolf Trope
- The Three Little Pigs, an English fairy tale, features a wolf as a villain.
- Similar menacing wolves appear in other stories like Little Red Riding Hood and Peter and the Wolf.
Wolves and Livestock
- Historically, wolves were considered problematic due to their predation on livestock.
- Bounty programs, offering money for wolf pelts, effectively drove wolves to local extinction in the lower 48 states.
The Wolf's Return
- The Endangered Species Act helped wolves return to the U.S. after near extinction.
- However, some now advocate for killing wolves again due to perceived threats to livestock and humans.
