Wolf reintroduction refers to the deliberate reestablishment of gray wolves in regions where they were previously extirpated. This effort is only considered in areas where large expanses of suitable wilderness remain and where prey populations—such as elk or deer—are abundant enough to sustain a stable wolf population.
One of the most well-known examples is Yellowstone National Park. Was it successful? Yes. Since wolves were reintroduced in the mid-1990s, they have played a pivotal role in restoring ecological balance. By reducing the overpopulation of elk, wolves have indirectly allowed vegetation like willow and aspen to regenerate. This, in turn, has supported the resurgence of beavers, songbirds, and other species that rely on healthy riparian zones.
Beyond Yellowstone, the movement to bring wolves back continues. In a historic vote reported by The Guardian on November 7, 2020, Coloradans narrowly passed a proposition to reintroduce gray wolves by 2023. The measure passed with just 50.4% of the vote—marking the first time U.S. citizens have directly voted on the reintroduction of a wildlife species, a decision typically made by state wildlife biologists.
However, Colorado’s decision came amid controversy. Just days earlier, the Trump administration announced the removal of gray wolves from the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA), citing the species’ “successful recovery.” This move was widely criticized by hundreds of scientists and conservationists, who argued that gray wolves still occupy only a small fraction of their historic range and that their recovery remains incomplete.
