Yellowstone wildlife

Abstract

More than a century ago, explorers and fur traders returning from the wilderness of the Montana Territory astounded the American people with tales of a land of lakes, forests, mountains, and canyons where giant geysers spouted, springs boiled, and wildlife abounded. Coming from such men as Jim Bridger a notorious teller of tall tales-these accounts were received with some skepticism. But in 1870 an expedition of distinguished citizens led by Gen. Henry Washburn returned from the "Land of the Rock Yellow River," as it was called by the Indians, confirming its marvelous character. A movement to set aside this wonderland for all the people was soon launched by a group of foresighted citizens. Their efforts resulted in establishment of the world's first national park. Wildlife was recognized, in the 1872 act of Congress that set Yellowstone aside, as one of the major resources of the new park. But apparently the idea that wildlife had rights of its own, or that its survival might even be important to man, was slow in taking hold. For the killing of bison and other Yellowstone animals continued observing, and photographing some of the more noticeable, more interesting, and rarer species. Snow falls early and leaves late in Yellowstone. The "off" seasons offer unusual opportunities for wildlife observation. This is an early-October scene (above) in Hayden Valley, a particularly good place to look for bison from fall through spring. WEB OF LIFE IN YELLOWSTONE Basic to the understanding of the web of life is the fact that plants directly or indirectly support all animal life. Chemical compounds in the soil, water, and air combined with energy from sunlight are transformed into plant growth. Plants serve as food for herbivorous animals, which in turn serve as food for carnivores. The deaths of plants and animals release chemical compounds back into the soil, water, and air for reuse in the next cycle of life. Within this web all animals live-like man himself-in communities. A community is an association of plants and animals occupying a specific physical environment. Each kind of animal lives in its particular community because that environment provides its basic needs-which are the same for all animals: food, water, air (oxygen), shelter, protection from enemies, and living space. Each species fills a particular niche in the community-which might be compared to the job and the social position a man holds in a human community. the Interior. A superintendent, whose address is Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, is in immediate charge. As the Nation's principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has basic responsibilities for water, fish, wildlife, mineral, land, park, and recreational resources. Indian and Territorial affairs are other major concerns of America's^^Department of Natural Resources.'' The Department works to assure the wisest choice in managing all our resources so each will make its full contribution to a better United States-now and in the future.