Ep 9. Yellowstone Wolves

Explorer season 11 episode 9, "Yellowstone Wolves," takes viewers on a journey through the heart of America's first national park, Yellowstone, where wolves are making a comeback after being reintroduced to the area over two decades ago.

The episode begins with an intimate look at the day-to-day lives of Yellowstone's wolf packs, including the famed Druid Peak pack, named after the peak that towers above their territory. We see the wolves hunting, playing, and interacting with each other and their environment, giving us a sense of the complexity and beauty of these often-misunderstood creatures.

But the wolves' return to Yellowstone has not been without controversy. Ranchers and hunters in surrounding areas have raised concerns about the impact of wolves on wildlife populations and domestic livestock, leading to calls for the wolf population to be controlled or even eradicated. We hear from both sides of the debate, as well as from conservationists, researchers, and park rangers who are working to manage Yellowstone's wolves in a way that balances both ecological and human concerns.

One of the key figures in the episode is wildlife biologist Doug Smith, who has spent over 25 years studying Yellowstone's wolves. Through his eyes, we see how the reintroduction of wolves has affected not only the park's ecology but also its human visitors. He takes us on a hike to a spot where visitors can view the wolves, without disturbing the animals or putting themselves in harm's way. Smith is passionate about the wolves' importance to the park's ecosystem and says that without them, Yellowstone would not be the same.

We also meet Carter Niemeyer, a wildlife biologist who was instrumental in the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone in the mid-1990s. He explains how the wolves were brought to the park, and the challenges they faced in adapting to their new environment. Niemeyer is candid about the setbacks and controversies surrounding the reintroduction, and his reflections offer a broader perspective on the relationship between humans and wolves in the United States.

Throughout the episode, we see stunning footage of Yellowstone's landscapes and wildlife, including elk, bison, and eagles. We learn about the interconnectedness of the ecosystem and how the presence of wolves has cascading effects on the park's wildlife populations. We hear from researchers who are studying the wolves' behavior, genetics, and impact on the ecosystem, and who are working to understand and communicate the value of these apex predators to the wider public.

Ultimately, "Yellowstone Wolves" offers a nuanced and thought-provoking look at one of the most controversial and complex conservation issues of our time. It invites viewers to consider our relationship with the natural world and to appreciate the role that wolves play in maintaining the delicate balance of ecosystems.