Ep 9. Yellowstone Wolves

In the National Geographic Explorer season 11 episode 9 titled "Yellowstone Wolves," viewers are taken on a journey to explore the role of wolves in the Yellowstone ecosystem. The episode starts with a brief introduction of the history of wolves in Yellowstone National Park. The grey wolf, an iconic predator, was eliminated from the park in the 1920s, leading to significant ecological consequences that lasted for decades.

Now, more than 70 years later, the wolves are back in the park after being reintroduced in 1995. The episode explores the impact of this decision and how it has affected the other species in the park. As viewers watch packs of wolves on the hunt and examine their role in controlling herbivore populations, they'll learn more about how this predator/prey dynamic contributes to ecological balance.

The episode follows a team of wildlife biologists as they track and study the wolves in Yellowstone. The team explains the significance of each wolf's behavior and how it affects the rest of the pack. It's fascinating to observe how the wolves communicate with each other through vocalizations and body language, and how this changes depending on their age and social status in the pack.

Viewers are also introduced to some of the other animals that share the wolves' habitat, including elk and moose. The biologists explain how these herbivores' behavior patterns have changed since wolves were reintroduced and why this is a significant factor in preserving the ecosystem.

One of the most exciting parts of the episode is when the team discovers a wolf den in a remote part of the park. Viewers are able to witness the intimate moments between mothers and their pups as they prepare for life in the wild. The biologists explain the importance of the denning process and how it sets the stage for a wolf pack's success in future generations.

Another highlight of the episode is the introduction of the Yellowstone Wolf Project. This project has been instrumental in studying and monitoring the wolf population in the park. The episode shows how the project uses radio collars to track the wolves' movements and gather important data on their behaviors and habits.

Overall, "Yellowstone Wolves" is an engaging and educational exploration of one of the most significant wildlife reintroduction projects in recent history. Viewers will learn about the diverse roles that wolves play in the park's ecosystem and how the reintroduction of this apex predator has had a ripple effect throughout the park's flora and fauna. It's an episode that's sure to inspire a newfound appreciation for the complex and delicate web of life in North America's national parks.