Recovery of Gray Wolves in the Great Lakes Region of the United States: An Endangered Species Success Story

The Great Lakes region is unique in that it is the only portion of the lower 48 states where wolves were never extirpated. As the birthplace of some of the first modern concepts of wolf conservation and research, the region is also the first place in the U.S. where "endangered" wolf populations recovered. During this process, much has been learned about wolf biology and ecology, endangered species management, carnivore conservation, landscape ecology, depredation management, and social aspects of wildlife conservation. Recovery of Gray Wolves in the Great Lakes Region of the United States traces wolf recovery in this region and highlights lessons learned by conservationists during the recovery process. Each chapter includes a thorough review of the pertinent literature, in addition to new data or new perspectives and interpretations. The result is both rigorous with respect to science and policy and accessible and interesting for the lay reader. The story of wolf recovery in the Great Lakes region is one of international significance for conservationists.