Ep 1. Wolves of Yellowstone
- October 3, 2015
- 20 min
Innovation Nation season 2 episode 1, titled "Wolves of Yellowstone," takes viewers on a journey through the history of wolves in Yellowstone National Park and the impact they have had on the ecosystem. Host Mo Rocca explores the reintroduction of wolves to the park in the 1990s and the controversy that surrounded the decision.
Through interviews with biologists and conservationists, viewers learn about the important role that wolves play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. They learn how wolves help to control populations of herbivores, which in turn helps to prevent overgrazing and erosion. They also learn about the ripple effect that the reintroduction of wolves had on other species in the park, including the beaver and the bald eagle.
The episode also delves into the science behind wolf behavior and communication. Viewers learn about the complex social structures of wolf packs, how they communicate with each other through howls and body language, and how they hunt their prey.
In addition to the science behind wolves, the episode also explores the cultural significance of wolves in Native American traditions, touching on the myths and legends surrounding these powerful animals.
As with all episodes of Innovation Nation, "Wolves of Yellowstone" features several innovations and inventions related to the topic at hand. Viewers learn about a new technology that uses sound to deter wolves from preying on livestock, as well as a device that simulates wolf howls to attract the animals to certain areas of the park for research purposes.
Overall, "Wolves of Yellowstone" is an informative and fascinating look at a topic that has far-reaching environmental and cultural implications. Through interviews with experts and stunning footage of the wolves themselves, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the importance of these animals in the natural world.