How Do Wolves Promote A Healthy Ecosystem?

            Apex predators are essential  in order for our ecosystems to thrive.  Wolves are one of the most important apex predators seen throughout North America, Asia, Europe, and even some areas of Africa. They bring balance to a variety of ecosystems including the desert, forest, tundra, and even the harsh conditions of the arctic. Wolves are a keystone species. Keystone species are species which are vital for promoting diversity and maintaining stability in the ecosystem which it lives. Unfortunately, these magnificent predators have been over hunted and eradicated from their native territories throughout the United States and many parts of the world. California is one of the states where wolves have been hunted to extinction in the early 1920s. The exciting news is they are now back, and have migrated through Oregon to California, making it all the way to the Sequoias in Tulare County! That is less than 100 miles from our facility!

                Many people are excited about the return of wolves, yet many others are skeptical or fearful. Residents may also wonder how this could have a positive impact in California. We will address some of the most common concerns and questions later, but first lets discuss how California's ecosystem can thrive from the reintroduction of its native keystone species (wolves) by examining the changes they made to Yellowstone's ecosystem and wildlife.

               After wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone, balance was restored to it's ecosystem. Wolves are essential for controlling populations of large grazing mammals such as deer, elk, bison, and moose populations, since these animals are the main source of food for wolves. The absence of wolves allowed grazing mammals to overpopulate the park, over graze the vegetation, and destroy saplings/tree populations which are vital to sustain a variety of animal species in Yellowstone. The absence of  vegetation like Cottonwood, Willow, and Aspen meant the absence of the animal species that rely on this vegetation for survival. Beavers, birds, and even fish were some of the species impacted. Beavers feed on Aspen and Willow, so when this vegetation was restored, so were the beaver populations. Increased beaver populations meant there were more beaver dams and ponds, which provides ideal habitat to support aquatic life such as salmon. The presence of vegetation and grasses around the riverbank prevents erosion. Erosion from reduced vegetation causes the river to become wide, shallow, and warm, thus impacting the species of fish, reptiles, and amphibians that need cooler temperatures to survive.  Elk are less likely to occupy and over graze the vegetation around the riverbank where the ecosystem is most fragile with the presence of wolves. Instead, they take cover in areas that are more wooded, where they are less vulnerable to wolf predation. Wolves promote this behavior change along with controlling the populations of grazing mammals, which ultimately spared and allowed regeneration of the vegetation around the riverbanks. The vegetation and trees that grow along the riverbank also provides nesting areas for various bird species, and shade over the water which keeps the water temperature cool enough to support Salmon and other fish species.  

         Wolves control coyote populations. The coyote populations decreased by nearly 40% in Yellowstone after the wolves were reintroduced. Pronghorn are one of the main food sources for coyotes, so when there was an overpopulation of coyotes, the pronghorn populations suffered and were nearly wiped out. Pronghorn populations returned after wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone. Decreased coyote populations also allowed for smaller mammals and rodents that were being over hunted by the coyotes to repopulate, which then increased the food source of other animals such as birds of prey. Animal carcasses from wolf kills serve as food for scavenger populations as well as provide nutrients and increase nitrogen levels of soil. Coyotes and other scavenger animals such as wolverines, foxes, eagles, raccoons, ravens, lynx, cougars, weasels, and grizzly bears feed on the carcasses left behind from wolf kills. Therefore, carnivores also benefit from the presence of wolves. The Sierra Nevada Red Fox is a critically endangered fox species that is native to the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Imagine how wolves coming back to the California Sierras will increase their food supply, increase their survival and, therefore help boost their populations to help prevent their extinction! 

           Wolves are responsible for strengthening herds of deer, elk, and moose populations. By preying on the sick and weak, only the strongest survive to reproduce which promotes stronger and more resilient herds. Also, by killing the sick and weak Elk, wolves reduce the transmission of deadly diseases in herds such as Chronic Wasting Disease. Wolves reduce and limit the time which the disease can be spread by reducing the lifespan of sick animals. The herds also live and travel in smaller numbers with the presence of wolves which also limit the populations of which the disease spreads. The case of Yellowstone provides clear examples of how the wolf is essential to promoting a healthy and balanced ecosystem, their benefits trickle down to all plant and animal populations! 

     Lets take a moment to quickly address some concerns and fears that many people have. Some of these topics are addressed in more detail in other sections of the website:

1.  Does the public need to be concerned about safety or wolf attacks? 

The simple answer to this question is no. Wolves are fearful of humans by nature. Wolves have been severely over hunted for decades. Through natural selection, the wolves that "fear" humans are the ones who will avoid humans at all costs which makes them less likely to be hunted. This means the wolves with this fear trait will survive to reproduce and pass the trait to their offspring.. A wolf is not aggressive by nature, the only time a wild wolf will attack you is if you corner or trap them and give them no way out,  or pose a threat to their pups. Don't do these 2 things, and you will be fine. They have a very strong and natural fear for humans. They do not hunt, or kill humans for food. Unfortunately Hollywood has painted a very ugly and inaccurate picture of wolves leading people to believe that they are man eating or dangerous beasts. This is far from the truth.

2. Can Farmers and Wolves co-exist?

Absolutely. Many farmers are against wolf populations due to loss of livestock from wolf kills. California farmers have become accustomed to not having the nuisance of wolf populations affecting their livestock, and many of them are opposed to having to adjust and invest in some of the options out there that will keep their livestock safe without eradicating the wolf species.  One way farmers can keep their livestock safe is with livestock guardian dogs. Dogs such as Kangals and Anatolian Shepherds live outside with livestock and protect them from all kinds of predators. These have been a very effective means to protecting livestock from wolf attacks. Please take the time to look up some information and youtube videos to learn more about this dog breed. Another way that farmers can keep their livestock safe is to fence them in, or in other words, fence the wolves out. This requires heavy duty fencing which is very expensive, making it unappealing and inconvenient. However it is a one time cost, and will prevent losses in livestock. Perhaps the government can also assist by offering grants or assistance to farmers and ranchers? 

3. Will my small dogs or cats be safe?

If you live in the city, it is a simple yes. Unlike coyotes who are less fearful of people and venture into some parts of populated areas, wolves avoid them at all costs. If you live in remote areas with wildlife where wolves are present, you probably shouldn't be letting your small animals roam around outside unsupervised or uncontained regardless of the presence of wolves. California also has mountain lions, bears, and coyotes that are equally as capable of eating small pets, so if you live where there are wildlife populations, you should be careful regardless if wolves are a part of the predator population or not. However coyotes are more likely to go after the small animals than wolves where people reside.

These were the top 3 questions that we have encountered from those who are skeptical about wolf populations returning to California. Here at our facility we are hoping to educate the public and put these concerns to rest and help people see how wolves in California can promote a healthy ecosystem in this state they are native to.