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Wilderness and Wildlife ilderness WWildlife The Wilderness Act of 1964 describes wilderness as “an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.” Wilderness, then, by definition is a place where motorized vehicles are not allowed, where no permanent structures are built, and where wildlife and its habitat are kept wild and substantially untouched by human development or encroachment. Why Wilderness is Important to Wildlife “What a country chooses to places when migrating. Large mammals, save is what a country chooses such as the bear, wolf, elk, moose, and to say about itself.” wolverine, could not survive long without — Mollie Beattie, Director, Fish and the space and isolation that wilderness Wildlife Service, 1993–1996 offers. Wilderness also protects cold- water fisheries and fish migration and By choosing to save wilderness, the spawning areas—in part by preventing United States says about itself that trees at the edges of streams from being land in its wildest and least disturbed cut down, thus allowing them to shade condition is important to the country, and cool the water. Wilderness doesn’t and that wildlife, which could not survive just provide haven for well-known species without natural habitat, shares equally in like the grizzly bear, bald eagle or salmon. that importance. By preserving habitat for a variety of When wilderness areas were established, species in intact natural environments, the wildlife there and their cross-border wilderness helps to maintain the genetic migrants responded as expected by material needed to provide a continuing going about business as usual. While diversity of plant and animal life. their homes received protected status For humans, the presence of wildlife the natural cycling of eating, resting, in wilderness helps us be more aware mating, raising young, migrating, dying, of the connection that all living things all in accordance with the natural rules share, and that we are all a part of the of survival, continued unaffected. The greater circle of life. As hunting and large mammals—bison, elk and grizzly fishing are traditional uses of wilderness bear—along with the small animals—pika, areas, sportsmen are allowed in most eagle and salmon—held their freedoms wilderness areas, excluding national to share in the uninterrupted drama of parks. In fact, many hunters and anglers America’s natural history. As an integral prize wilderness for its exceptional part of the rich biosystems found in hunting and fishing opportunities, and wilderness, wildlife had its safe havens— for the ability to hunt and fish on foot for keeps. or horseback without having game Countless birds use wilderness as nesting harassed or habitat degraded by Wolf Island Wilderness, GA Photo by Brad Winn, DNR and wintering grounds, and resting motorized vehicles. A benefit for not only sportsmen but bird watchers and wildlife most emblematic animal, included on photographers, wilderness areas are most seals of the U.S. government with natural breeding grounds for a many fish its talons grasping 13 arrows and 13 olive and wildlife species and also often hold branches. Because the bald eagle is the largest individuals of certain game closely intertwined with Native American and fish species. identity, the bird is a fitting symbol to represent the entire nation. Unharassed wildlife living in natural, undisturbed areas like wilderness has the With a common cultural thread that best opportunities to thrive. Providing places reverence on the connection to …America shows a proud refuge to big and small animals alike, the natural world, Native Americans connection to wildlife wilderness allows their populations to display wildlife proudly on clothing, in found in wilderness. escape the pressures of human activities, crafts and art, in ceremonies and on a benefit that can provide scientists structures. with prime opportunities to conduct wilderness-compatible research on Across the nation America shows a proud wildlife populations and long-term trends connection to wildlife found in wilderness. in habitat use. On flags, uniforms and playing fields, wildlife is showcased as emblems of On a more personal level, many people pride, strength, quality, resourcefulness find wildlife is a source of deep and and hope. Montana’s state mammal is meaningful personal pleasure. Watching the grizzly bear, for example, an animal healthy wildlife populations in their proudly displayed on the state flag and daily routines is not only pleasurable as mascot of the University of Montana but, for human society as a whole, it is Grizzly sporting teams. The grizzly is also a sharp reminder of our connection also displayed on California’s state flag, to Nature and a prime indication of the representing the numerous grizzly bears health of the environment on which we in the state when the flag was adopted depend. Wild habitats and their animal in 1911. residents are truly important to our social and economic well-being. The Tulalip tribes of Washington state display on their flag an orca, or killer Americans also connect with wildlife whale, a symbol of strength and power for cultural and institutional identity. As and also of salmon, a major source of a symbol of patriotism, the bald eagle food in the traditional life of the Tulalip reigns supreme. The national bird of the people. United States of America is the nation’s Great Sand Dunes Wilderness, CO Wilderness National Park Service photo Wildlife 2.
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