Posted by Ranger Janet (165.83.6.33) on March 14, 2002 at 14:02:04:
In Reply to: why? posted by iceman g on March 14, 2002 at 13:34:56:
: why is there so much wildlife there?
Good question, Iceman. Yellowstone National Park was the first national park in the world. That meant some special protection early on. In 1872 United States Congress passed the Yellowstone National Park in 1872, in part, that "the headwaters of the Yellowstone River . . . is hereby reserved and withdrawn from settlement, occupancy, or sale . . and dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people."
Years later in 1916, more protection came in the form of the the National Park Service Act. Congress authorized the National Park Service "... to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of fuuture generations."
Today there are more than 380 units in the national park system. So whenever you visit one of your national parks, expect to see wildlife, because the National Park Service protects them.
I've been living in Yellowstone National Park for only 3 weeks, and I can tell you that I'm impressed with the many elk, deer, buffalo, rabbits, birds and coyotes I've see out my windows. I have yet to see a wolf or bear, but I look forward to the day.