I have spent my life in awe of the wolf - a keystone animal whose very existence supports the stability of our ecosystems. If we lose them, the equilibrium of our environment would undergo drastic changes, and in some cases, could lead to collapse. My plea outlines the critical need to reinstate wolves on the Endangered Species List.

Despite being known for their resilience, wolves have seen a significant decline in their population due to human activities such as hunting and habitat destruction. By 1973, wolves were nearly extinct with only a few hundred left (US Fish and Wildlife Services, 1973). After being placed on the Endangered Species Act, their population started to recover. However, in 2020, the US government delisted them, putting their survival at risk again.

Today, there are roughly 6,000 wolves in the lower 48 states of the US, a number that should not be misconstrued as a sign of recovery. Wolves occupy less than 10% of their historic range (National Geographic, 2020), and are far from safely repopulating these areas.

Reinstating the wolves on the Endangered Species List is not merely about preserving a species, but about maintaining a healthy, functional ecosystem. As apex predators, wolves control herbivore populations, promote growth and diversity of vegetation, and even help regulate the behavior of other predators.

Our landscapes need wolves for stability. There is no replacing the role they play. I urge you to sign this petition. Together, let's ensure we do not endanger our ecosystems any further by losing these crucial creatures.