Do Gray Wolves Still Need Protection?

As many as 2 million gray wolves once roamed North America. But by the 1960s, people had killed most of them. Only a few hundred were left in the contiguous United States. 

In 1974, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) placed gray wolves on the endangered species list. Animals on the list must not be harmed, and their habitats must be protected. The list helped the number of wolves grow. Over time, their population south of Canada reached about 6,000. So the FWS took the wolves off the list in 2020.

But last year, the wolves were put back on the list in most states. Many conservationists agree with that move. They say wolves are still in danger. Other people argue they no longer need protection. 

Do gray wolves belong on the endangered species list?

As many as 2 million gray wolves once roamed North America. But by the 1960s, people had killed most of them. Only a few hundred were left in the contiguous United States. 

In 1974, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) placed gray wolves on the endangered species list. Animals on the list must not be harmed, and their habitats must be protected. The list helped the number of wolves grow. Over time, their population south of Canada went up. It reached about 6,000. So the FWS took the wolves off the list in 2020.

But last year, the wolves were put back on the list in most states. Many conservationists agree with that move. They say wolves are still in danger. Other people argue the animals no longer need protection. 

Do gray wolves belong on the endangered species list?

Not everyone is happy gray wolves are back on the endangered species list. 

One of the main reasons people kill wolves is to protect their animals. Wolves have been known to kill livestock, including cattle. Some farmers and ranchers have had to pay for fencing, guard dogs, and other ways to keep their livestock safe. 

“One year, I lost 26 calves due to gray wolf attacks,” explains Joe Wilebski. He’s a rancher in Minnesota.

Many also argue that the population of wolves is large enough now. They no longer need protection. In addition to the 6,000 gray wolves in the contiguous U.S., there are as many as 11,000 in Alaska. 

Some people think we should focus on protecting animals facing greater threats.

Not everyone is happy gray wolves are back on the endangered species list. 

People have their reasons for killing wolves. One of them is to protect their animals. Wolves have been known to kill livestock. This includes cattle. Some farmers and ranchers have had to pay for ways to keep their livestock safe. They spend on fencing, guard dogs, and more.

“One year, I lost 26 calves due to gray wolf attacks,” explains Joe Wilebski. He’s a rancher in Minnesota.

Many also argue that the population of wolves is large enough now. They no longer need protection. In addition to the 6,000 gray wolves in the contiguous U.S., there are as many as 11,000 in Alaska. 

Some people think we should focus on protecting animals facing greater threats.