Recovery of gray wolves in the great lakes region of the United States: An endangered species success story

The western Great Lakes region of the United States is the only portion of the lower 48 states where wolves were never completely extirpated. This region contains the areas where many of the first modern concepts of wolf conservation and research were developed, and where many early proponents of wolf conservation such as Aldo Leopold, Sigurd Olson, and Durward Allen lived and worked. The Great Lakes region also is the first place in the U. S. where "endangered" wolf populations recovered. During this recovery, we learned much about wolf biology and ecology, endangered species management, carnivore conservation, landscape ecology, depredation management, and social aspects of wildlife conservation. "Recovery of Gray Wolves in the Great Lakes Region of the United States," traces wolf recovery from diverse perspectives ranging from ecology, management, and policy to the cultural, social, and historical significance of wolves.