Wildlife enthusiasts are rejoicing over recent announcements from the National Park Service that promise positive changes for two beloved species. Firstly, there’s the exciting news of reintroducing grizzly bears to their native habitat in Washington’s North Cascades, nearly three decades after their disappearance from the region. Once abundant but nearly hunted to extinction, grizzlies are set to reclaim their vital role in the ecosystem, bringing balance back to the wilderness.
Kathleen Callaghy from the Defenders of Wildlife expressed her elation, telling The Guardian, “This is incredible news. The North Cascades is one of the most incredibly intact wild lands in the U.S., and the grizzly bear is [the] last major mammal missing from that ecosystem, so we’d be restoring something to almost as close as we can make it to how it used to be, barring our presence.”
Meanwhile, in North Dakota, the National Park Service has made a heartening decision to preserve about 200 wild horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Initially slated for removal, these horses, descended from mares bred by the Sioux in the 19th century, will continue to roam freely in the park. It’s a move that resonates with locals and wildlife advocates alike, preserving a cherished aspect of the park’s heritage.
North Dakota Senator John Hoeven expressed his support, stating, “This is the right call by NPS.” With this decision, Theodore Roosevelt National Park remains one of the few places where visitors can marvel at the beauty of free-roaming horses, ensuring the preservation of this unique and treasured experience for generations to come.
