On April 28, the last day of LSC’s Conversation Week celebration, we were joined by some very special visitors: wolfdogs from Howling Woods Farm in Jackson!

Throughout the day, guests headed into our Joseph D. Williams 3D Science Theater to enjoy a live presentation featuring the wolfdogs and led by their handlers from Howling Woods. Visitors interacted with the wolfdogs – who happily greeted people in the theater – and learned just how gentle these animals can be.

Our presenter Samantha spoke about the misconception of wolves as vicious and aggressive animals. She described them as “neophobic,” meaning they are fearful of anything newly introduced to their surroundings. In fact, something as simple as the placement of flags around a farm can intimidate wolves and serve as a wolf deterrent.

Due to unfounded fears, wolves have been hunted almost to extinction in the wild. Many animals are needlessly killed, even though wolves play an important role in the health of the ecosystem.

For example, wolves were eradicated in Yellowstone National Park in the early 20th century. This led to an explosion of the elk population, which grazed its way across the landscape killing young brush and trees. Wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone in 1995.

Thank you to Howling Woods Farm for stopping by LSC and inspiring guess to change their perspective on wolves and spread the word on how much they need our protection!

Be sure to follow us on LSC.org, as well as on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, for upcoming events at the Science Center like this one.

animals,  Conservation Week,  environmental,  Joseph D. Williams 3D Science Theater