AngelJan 20, 2012 02:30 PM

I found it very interesting how the current ecological/nature views in the United States come to be. I had no idea that the Puritans had so much influence on the early view of nature. I found it sad that they would think that everything was "evil" and tried destroying anything they didn't understand. Of the readings, I really enjoyed the stories of Farley Mowat and Aldo Leopold. I enjoyed these two stories more than the rest because I really enjoy learning about wildlife and people's experiences with wild creatures. Although the Leopold story was a little more depressing, it was educational. The men had killed the wolves, but it offered Leopold an opportunity to learn the real reason for their existence and understand the vital role they play in nature. This helped lead him to trying to better peoples' perspective on natural predators in ecosystems.
The Mowat story was a little more humerus. Mowat was in the wilderness, expecting that everything was against him. But after encountering the wolves, he realized that they were just as curious about him as he was frightened of them. He soon learned that the wolves would respect him if he respected their space and role they fulfilled.
Because of both of their hard work in educating people, I believe nature is finally beginning to be respected. Although I believe we have a long ways to, I also believe our society's way of thinking is changing for the better. Today, wolves are coming back from the brink of extinction, and returning to their role as predators in one of our most well-known national parks: Yellowstone! I found this picture at http://billingsgazette.com/