Historically, gray wolves once occupied most of the lower 48 states. However, human persecution through hunting and predator control programs, fewer prey and the loss of habitat took its toll.

Different populations of gray wolves around the United States are protected in different ways by the Endangered Species Act. In most of the United States, they are listed as endangered. However some populations are doing better such as the gray wolves in the Great Lakes region, which are listed as threatened. Why is it important how a certain population is listed? It matters because those populations get different levels of protection under the Act.

National Wildlife Federation plays a key role in monitoring whether various wolf populations have the protections they need to thrive. We work with biologists and government officials to ensure wolves get the most appropriate help.

One exciting moment in National Wildlife Federation history came when we helped reintroduce the gray wolf back into Yellowstone National Park in 1995. This has lead to a healthier ecosystem in Yellowstone and an exciting opportunity for America to get back in touch with the amazing gray wolf. Learn more about National Wildlife Federation's work in Yellowstone with wildlife such as the gray wolf.

Support NWF's conservation efforts by symbolically adopting a Gray Wolf today.