Day 5 Yellowstone National Park

It was raining this morning, which was peaceful to wake up to. Then we had to get all of our stuff together and pack up camp in the rain, which was not that great, but we survived. We went for a really nice hike- there were beautiful wildflowers growing everywhere. We took pictures of the Grand Tetons from across Coulter's Lake. We also noticed some pine trees with some kind of lichen or mass on them that was taking over the bottom of the trees. After the Grand Teton hike, we drove to Yellowstone. First stop was Old Faithful, and while we were waiting for her to erupt, it started pouring rain. We didn't care. We waited for her and I got a great video. Then we took a walk around the thermal features nearby. We stopped in the visitors center and the Old Faithful Inn, which was incredible. We left Old Faithful and drove to check out the other thermal pools like Rainbow Pool. It was raining, so it was a little hard to see but it was still really cool. Tait explained that the colors represent the temperature gradient because you can see what kind of organisms live there. We drove around Lamar Valley afterwards in hopes of seeing wildlife. We saw bison, elk, pronghorn, and later we saw a black bear.

Next, we took a short hike to see the wolf pen. The hike was so beautiful. There were rolling hills and wildflowers, and wooden foot bridges. The view was amazing- I really loved that hike. Once we got to the wolf pen, we discussed the reintroduction of wolves in further detail. Tait explained that the wolves were brought in as an in-tact pack. They lived in the pen to get used to the habitat, then they were released. It was interesting to learn that the wolves ended up coming back to the pen within a few hours. Eventually, the wolves adapted and became extremely successful. Only 3 died, and they ended up introducing less than they originally planned because they were so successful. The wolves preyed on elk that were weak or sick, which helped comb their population and make them healthier. The wolves also helped the bears and other animals because they ate what was left behind. Wolves are considered a keynote species because they have such a profound impact on the ecosystem. The wolves also help keep brucellus down because they kill the unhealthy animals that may have the disease. Brucellus is a disease that causes spontaneous abortion of calves. This is a major problem for farmers. If one of their cows contracts Brucellus, their entire herd is impacted. Bison are thought to infect cattle, but no cases have been reported (unlike elk).
Although wolves are a healthy part of the Yellowstone ecosystem, not everyone is happy about it. Ranchers are upset because the wolves are attacking their cattle and stressing them out. They're losing a lot of money, and they are angry about the reintroduction. The ranchers are also upset because they are used to a certain way of life and now they have to get used to a predator in the area. Their whole way of life has to change, and I can't blame them for being upset. However, the settlers that originally  eradicated the wolves were not thinking about the ecosystem in Yellowstone. In order for it to function properly, the wolves are necessary. They play an important role in keeping other populations healthy, such as the elk, which many locals rely on. In my opinion, you can't have everything. Unfortunately, the ranchers are going to have to get used to a predator being in the area, and try their best to work with it. Everyone has to work together, because it looks like the wolves are here to stay.