Restoring wolves to their natural habitat can be a controversial subject to say the least. Some say that the reintroduction of wolves upsets the natural balance of a habitat that has formed without the presence. Others say the practice is necessary in order to create a 100% authentic environment so that a natural balance is able to be achieved. There are some definite advantages and disadvantages to consider with this subject. Let’s take a look at some of them in a little more detail.
The Pros of Wolf Reintroduction
1. Ranchers are compensated for losses that occur because of wolves.
One of the biggest issues in bringing wolves back any environment involves the farmers and other homeowners that are in the area. For this reason, almost all wolf reintroduction policies include compensation for losses that occur because of the animal behaviors.
2. They typically leave humans alone.
Wolves and humans are able to coexist when the relationship is managed appropriately. This means that humans are able to get their hunting needs accomplished when the seasons are right and so are the wolves. The one place of concern that many homeowners have with wolves is that they may choose to attack their domestic pets. Although this has been known to happen, the practice is actually rather uncommon. Wolves would rather avoid humans as much as humans would rather avoid wolves.
3. They are keystone organisms.
A natural environment that is supposed to include the wolf requires its presence in order to be truly healthy. It’s not because they can boost tourism or keep pests away. Natural habitats are balanced when animal populations are in a healthy medium. Wolves allow that to happen.
The Cons of Wolf Reintroduction
1. Wolves are known to kill livestock.
For a farmer or rancher, their livestock is the living. When wolves are hungry and they don’t have any natural prey to capture, livestock looks like a pretty tempting target. With enough livestock around, a wolf pack might choose to stop hunting altogether to enjoy the easy pickings that a farm has to offer.
2. It controls homesteading.
Many property owners wolf reintroduction as a way of controlling how they use their property. When wolves are around, it is hard to run a profitable rancher farm. This is why it is seen as a way to run ranchers and farmers off of their property for good.
3. There is no need to move the wolves.
Wolf packs exist in a number of areas around the world and are not an endangered animal. The packs are happy where they are and don’t require relocation in order to be healthy or happy. Because of this, governments could save money by just choosing to leave the animals right where they are.
Wolves may bring a natural balance with them, but they also bring some unique challenges. By weighing the pros and cons of wolf reintroduction, every community can come together to make the right choice for their natural habitats.
