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For thousands of years
wolves were the second most widespread land mammals, after people.
From the high Arctic to Mexico, their strength, intelligence, and coordinated pack behavior
made them extremely successful predators—and humans’ strongest competition for meat.
As Americans’ dependence on livestock grew, so did their dislike of the herd-raiding wolf. War was waged on the species for more than 300 years, and by the early 20th century, the wolf was nearly gone in most parts of the United States, including Yellowstone National Park.
In 1974, when it was believed to be facing extinction south of Canada, Canis lupus
won protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Since then public support for the
wolf has steadily grown, and it has become a symbol of wildlife in peril.
Video still courtesy of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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© 2000 National Geographic Society. All rights reserved.