Don'T Be Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf
Do we dare decide to come to the aid of the big bad wolf?
Once upon a time wolves thrived from the Arctic Tundra to Mexico.
Nevertheless, this species became nearly eradicated because of man.
‘The systematic slaughtering of animals begets grave consequences.
By the early 1900s, wolf populations were perilously shrinking.
Extinction would surely ensue if “The Law” did not intervene.
Although a hundred pound snarling wolf is definitely frightful,
Fear needed to be overcome for these beautiful animals to survive.
Rocky mountain wolf populations specifically required relief.
At alarming rates, these intriguing creatures were disappearing.
In 1973 Canis lupis was put on the Endangered Species List.
Decidedly, designated recovery areas were determined.
Obviously, habitat loss and extermination programs had over killed.
Fortunately, Yellowstone National Park participated in recovery.
There at Yellowstone, amazing benefits to all life became apparent.
Helping the wolves ultimately balanced co-existing animal species.
Evidently, God knew what He was doing when he created Canis lupis.
By reintroducing wolves, man learned; the trophic cascade improved.
Instinctual predation surprisingly increased other wildlife populations.
Grasslands, which had been over grazed, began regenerating.
Banks of the river became more stable due to reforestation.
And the ecosystem transformed, as did physical attributes of the land.
Dams were built by beavers offering niches for small animals.
Wolves had indirectly changed the behavior of the rivers.
Overwhelmingly, the reintroduction of wolves into the park was positive.
Let us all dare to overcome fears and take steps to replenish God’s creatures.
For in doing so, Earth becomes a Garden of Eden for all to enjoy.
Copyright March 18, 2015
Written for Poetry Soup Member Contest: Canis Lupus the
Sponsor Shadow Hamilton
Read more at: http://www.poetrysoup.com/poetry_contests/member_contest_details.aspx?ContestID=6211
REFERENCES:
1. Wolves in Yellowstone National Park http://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/wolves.htm
2. How Wolves Change Rivers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysa5OBhXz-Q
3. Beautiful pphotgraphs of wolves https://www.google.com/search?q=wolves+yellowstone+national+park&rlz=1C2VFKB_enUS606US606&biw=991&bih=874&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=eSEJVf2YJYa5ggSjh4LQCA&sqi=2&ved=0CDsQsAQ&dpr=1
Copyright © Dane Ann Smith-Johnsen | Year Posted 2015
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