Lupus Redux

Conservationists have lobbied for years to reintroduce gray wolves to Yellowstone National Park. The predators, they say, are an important part of the ecosystem, thoughtlessly wiped out some 60 years ago. No way, say nearby ranchers: wolves are vermin that gobble up livestock and profits. But the terms of the debate have changed. A hunter has shot one of a pack of five animals just south of the park. If they are wolves, and not wolf-dog hybrids, they probably migrated from Montana. The conventional scientific wisdom said they would make the trip eventually — just not this soon.