Synopsis

In 1995, wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park after decades of absence. It didn’t take long for them to make their way to Julia Childs’ ranch, located just north of the park. When wolves were reintroduced in the Northern Rockies, they were entering a complex social and political landscape that continues today. 

In this episode, Alex and Jared explore the nuances of the wolf reintroduction and recovery, made possible by the Endangered Species Act. This landmark environmental law passed with bipartisan support in 1973. Join us as we untangle how the ESA became just as controversial as the wolves it would seek to protect, and what that means for the future of species recovery on the eve of its 50th anniversary.

Links and references from Return of the wolf

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2008 statute creating the distinct population segment in the Northern Rockies.

The Greater Yellowstone Coalition

Gray wolf timeline for the contiguous United States

The history of the Endangered Species Act

Credits

Working Wild U is a production of Montana State University Extension and Western Landowners Alliance with support from the Arthur M Blank Family Foundation, Western SARE and you, our listeners.

This episode was directed and edited by Zach Altman, and produced by Matthew Collins, Zach Altman, Alex Few, Jared Beaver, and Abby Nelson.

Jared Beaver and Alex Few are our hosts.

Louis Wertz is our Executive Producer. Music is from Artlist and Blue Dot Sessions.

Special thanks to Kathleen Shannon for helping edit this episode, and thanks to Julia Childs, Ed Bangs, Caroline Byrd, Karen Budd-Falen, Lawson Fite, Scott Becker and Nick Mott.

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