Grey/Timber Wolf Conservation

"The best wolf habitat resides in the human heart. You have to leave a little space inside of yourself if you want these animals to live." Ed Bangs, FWS Western Wolf Recovery Co-ordinator

In spite of centuries of persecution, wolves have always been very popular with the general public - a Google search for wolves gives over 30 million websites! There are books, videos, movies, tv shows, t shirts and toys promoting wolves.

These poor animals are doing their best to survive, and must deal with trapping, shooting, habitat loss, poisoning, and a host of other man-made threats on a daily basis.

Fortunately for the wolves, there is also a huge cadre of people doing their best to help them survive.

The gray wolf was originally the most widely distributed land mammal, and it still inhabits most of the northern hemisphere. Because of the wolf’s extensive range and because of its tendency to compete with humans throughout most of its range the World Conservation Union founded the Wolf Specialist Group (WSG) in 1970.  

Wolves are found in all northern countries of the world, so WSG members represent several countries. Members usually meet at least once every five years and exchange information about wolf conservation problems peculiar to each area.

They also publish status and conservation information about wolves via the Canid Action Plan, and send resolutions promoting conservation actions to member countries as needed.

The WSG also supports the wolf conservation efforts of its members, such as the establishment of the International Wolf Center, and attempts to coordinate wolf conservation among various countries through the Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe.

The Wolf Sanctuary was established to improve the quality of live for all wolves and wolf-dogs. Their mission is:

• to rescue captive bread wolves and wolf-dogs whose owners are no longer able to care for them
• provide sanctuary on a long term basis, taking into account the animals' physical and emotional needs
• educate the public about wolves to foster realistic opinions concerning their value in the wild and point out the compromises required of their spirit as a result of being held in captivity.