Wolf Ecological Benefits

I am now running into a consistent story about the alleged benefits of wolves to the Yellowstone ecosystem. The story suggests that with the reduced size Elk herd the willows have regrown, changing the rivers and encouraging the growth of other species such as beaver and waterfowl. It also suggests killing off many coyote by wolves has enhanced the population of small animals and their other predators, such as birds.

I was skeptical of such claims, mostly because of what I have personally witnessed in Yellowstone over 43 years of multiple several day visits per year, including long hikes in the backcountry where few tourists go. Also I found no actual evidence given anywhere to support such claims. Just assertions. Travelling through Yellowstone dozens of days during the wolf killing of the Elk the only change I personally notice is that the Elk are gone.

I have yet to see a wolf in Yellowstone. I also see few Grizzly bears even though they are much bigger and there are many more of them in Yellowstone. So I know the stories about tourists seeing wolves are overplayed. I know the tourists, like myself are seeing few if any Elk, whereas in times past they would have delighted seeing hundreds of Elk in the meadows.

I was skeptical because of the sheer size of Yellowstone and the places that such claims can take place. Yellowstone has over 2,000 miles of rivers. Only a few miles have willow areas to start with. I also know that Yellowstone is forever changing. I suspected that the changes from the fires in 1989 far eclipsed any effect some mammals might cause. The changes from the fire recovery are quite visible. Not only wasn't the story documented but it just didn't make sense.

Recently I found documented evidence that the claims of ecological benefit are simply untrue:  http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/10/opinion/is-the-wolf-a-real-american-hero.html?hp&rref=opinion&_r=0

Here's the more technical story: Claims of Ecosystem Changes;  Mech Technical Reference

And another from the NY Times:  NY Times

To quote in part, following some links to actual research: "Amid this clutter of ecology, there is not a clear link from wolves to plants, songbirds and beavers. Still, the story persists. ... the story can seem only a fib."

Another "urban legend". Amazing how many people believe such claptrap. This includes rangers in Yellowstone who repeat the story at ranger programs. The persistence of such legends is amazing. Someone gave me a link to a professionally made video claiming these benefits. The English accented narrator had obviously never been to Yellowstone. Nor apparently had any of the production staff. The narrator repeatedly called the Elk shown in the video deer. Apparently no one on the production staff even knew what an Elk was, yet they repeated the claims of ecological wonder. So sad.

And no one seems to care about the violent viscous killing of tens of thousands of Elk to allegedly provide new homes for 100 beaver.