#wolfawarenessweek is not only about appreciating the beauty of these magnificent animals, but also taking the time to reflect on their long and often turbulent history. At one point, gray wolves had a range that covered two-thirds of the United States, until the species was nearly driven into extinction in the 20th century. Thanks to conservation and protections issued through the Endangered Species Act, gray wolf populations have slowly increased over the last few decades. . . . . . . . . #wolf #wolves #wolfawarenessweek #pups #wild #yellowstone #graywolf #graywolves #animalplanet