Predator Prey Relationships

   Predators-something that is hard to think about. A lot of people think they are just monsters, bloodthirsty. I certainly would not want to get in the way of a predator when it is on the hunt, but predator-prey relations are just natural. If you try to screw them up nature will seriously alter. Some example that were presented in the film we watched were the wolves of Yellowstone and the elk. In a way the elk were predators to the trees. when humans intervened and killed off the wolves, nature was screwed up and the elk population flourished
http://dogshowpoop.blogspot.com/2011/06/montana-marathon-begins.html
    Something that shocked me in the video was the competition between coyote and wolf. Some people might see the wolves killing the coyotes as disgusting and proof of how violent then are. Although, I do find it gross, and mean, I understand the natural need to protect territory so they can survive. Wipe out the competition, similar to what we do as humans, in the job competition world.
http://coyotes-wolves-cougars.blogspot.com/2012/11/u-of-wisconsin-wildlife-professor-tim.html
   
I am happy that we reintroduced the wolves to Yellowstone. I wish that we had not had to do so in the first place. Humans mess everything up! when we reintroduced the wolves, the elk were controlled, and then other life was able to flourish as well. Humans are natures biggest predator, because we cause so much damage. I think it is important to fix the problems we cause, but try not to overdue it because we might screw it up even more such as in Australia with the toads and the rabbits. In Florida the reintroduction of the panther is a scary thought for those who live in the area, but overall they agreed because of the benefit of them hunting the wild pigs. I agree with the idea of trying to protect a species. Even with the reintroduction of panthers, it still causes problems in the human world. we have a highway that cuts right through a big part of their ecosystem. we take over as humans, and do more harm then good. watching the film made me feel despicable as a human, as all we do is destroy, that's why I think reintroduction is important Introducing a new species on the other hand is not okay. Like when in Australia they tried to control pest populations and ended up with an even bigger population overload. Mother Nature knows whats best, don't try to mess with her for our benefit.

    As I stated earlier, I do agree with protecting current species. In the UP the wolves are a symbol. They represent a beautiful thing in nature. Protecting is different than introducing. With the population already low, numbers of their prey would already be higher. I wish it was possible to live in this world without impacting and hurting everything that is around us. The UP is a unique place, where a large amount of nature exists untainted. The wolf is a majestic beast. I feel that there should be more nature preserved than their already is.   http://michiganradio.org/post/illegal-wolf-kills-spiking-michigans-upper-peninsula