By the early 1900s, wolves were disappearing due to loss of habitat and extermination programs. The gray wolf was listed as an endangered species in the 1970s by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. In response, the Yellowstone ecosystem was designated as one of the recovery areas. Click here to learn more.

Scientists continue to learn more about how living and nonliving things are interdependent. In 1995, fourteen wolves were released in the park and the changes to the ecosystem were unexpected. This is one of my favorite videos. Click here to watch full screen.

Click here to learn more about wolves.

Finding buffalo in Yellowstone is almost certain, and I was anxious to see them. It is the only place in the United States where bison have lived continually, and they roam and migrate freely as they graze on grasses and other plants.

Bison were declared the national mammal of America in 2016. There are also European bison.

Click here to watch full screen.

Click here to watch full screen.

The history of the bison is a heartbreaking one. I’m grateful for conservation efforts that have saved the buffalo from extinction. Click here to view full screen.

A sweet story to add to your collection:

I found myself singing,
Oh give me a home where the buffalo roam,
Where the deer and the antelope play,

Note: The first two photos were taken by my friend, Susan.