By a razor-thin margin in 2020, Colorado voters decided to bring gray wolves back to the landscape. Now, paws are on the ground, and real work is just beginning. For some, wolves returning to the landscape feels like tightening the vice on the already challenging profession of ranching. Yet for others, wolves mean the restoration of an ecosystem that humans deliberately interfered with. What is really behind the tension over wolf reintroduction? Why did it get on the ballot in the first place, and how did this become such a polarizing issue?

Learn more about the podcast at institute.dmns.org/gray-territory and lawsofnotion.org.

Sign-up for the Institute for Science & Policy's mailing list.

If you like our work, consider making a tax-deductible donation.

The Institute for Science & Policy is a catalyst for thoughtful dialogue, working toward solutions on society's greatest challenges with scientific thinking, empathy, and inclusivity. The Institute is a project of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Credits:

Reporting, writing, hosting: Kristan Uhlenbrock

Editing, production, marketing: Tricia Waddell

Editing, fact-checking, production: Jordan Marks

Sound design: Seth Samuel

Original music: Composed and performed by Brett Kretzer. Fiddle played by Andy Reiner. Banjo and backing vocals by Dr. Joy Adams.

Additional music: Epidemic Sound

Studio recording: Postmodern Company