The Wolf-Elk-Aspen Connection

Wolves' Role: As apex predators, wolves prey on elk, keeping their populations in check and influencing their behavior, reducing their intense grazing in specific areas.

Elk's Impact: Before wolves, massive elk herds decimated young aspen saplings, preventing them from growing into mature trees, a problem that persisted after wolves were eradicated in the 1930s.

Aspen's Comeback: With fewer elk eating them, vulnerable aspen shoots now have a chance to grow taller, with studies noting new aspens reaching diameters that qualify them as mature trees, a landmark event.