Almost all wolves in the United States were extirpated by the 1920s. Wolves were viewed as non-discriminating killers of livestock and other prey, as well as a threat to human life. Even the government called for their extermination. In the 70+ year absence of wolves, the Yellowstone ecosystem witnessed dramatic ecological changes. The idea of reintroducing wolves to Yellowstone was first brought to Congress in 1966 by biologists who were concerned the increased elk population was having a negative effect on the Yellowstone ecology. When the wolves were eradicated and hunting eliminated, the elk population grew exponentially. Overgrazing resulted in a significant loss of important vegetation. Other predators, such as coyotes, increased in numbers and created additional burdens on the local ecology.

In 1995, Yellowstone National Park initiated a reintroduction project. The subspecies reintroduced was the Mackenzie Valley wolf from western Canada rather than the native Northern Rocky Mountains wolf. The reintroduced wolves were classified as “experimental” and “non-essential populations” as defined by the Endangered Species Act, meaning officials could exercise more freedom in controlling the wolf population to protect livestock, if needed.

Since the wolves have been present in the region, there have been several confirmed incidents with livestock. While the majority of wolves ignore livestock entirely, a few wolves or wolf packs can become chronic livestock hunters, and most of these have been killed to protect livestock. Defenders of Wildlife is a non-profit organization that has established a fund of over one million dollars to protect the wolves and compensate ranchers for lost livestock (Cheater, 2006). Nonetheless, the reintroduction has resulted in a thriving wolf population and more stable ecosystem in Yellowstone National Park.

Largely due to the success in Yellowstone, Mexican gray wolves were reintroduced into the Apache National Forest in Northern Arizona in 1998. Eleven wolves were released with a goal of achieving a sustainable population of around 100 wolves. Within one year of release, many of the wolves were shot and killed. Despite these killings, scientists estimate that at least 75 wolves and four breeding pairs were living in the recovery areas by 2012.

Since 1998, 92 Mexican wolf deaths were recorded, with four occurring in 2012; these four were all due to illegal shootings. Unless you are under attack, killing a Mexican gray wolf on public land is punishable by up to a $25,000 fine and six months in jail. When a wolf is killed, federal agents automatically investigate the incident (US Fish and Wildlife Services, 2015).

Completing this activity will help you to master the following module level outcome: 1.

After completing the required readings and watching the assigned videos, please draft an original answer to the following questions and post your response in the appropriate discussion board.

1. Compare and contrast the bioethical theories and principles of at least two different stakeholders in the dialog around wolf reintroduction either in Yellowstone or Arizona.
2. Which stakeholder’s argument should hold more weight in this decision-making process? Defend your position.

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