How wolves healed Yellowstone's ecosystem
Reintroducing wolves to Yellowstone in 1995 sparked a trophic cascade, curbing elk overpopulation, reviving vegetation, and revitalizing the park's interconnected ecosystems, proving a top predator's healing power.
In 1995, 14 gray wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park after a 70-year absence. This pivotal conservation effort quickly transformed the landscape. With wolves back, the overpopulated elk herds, which had been devouring vegetation, declined significantly. This allowed willow and aspen trees to regenerate along riverbanks.
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