AboutRichard Ochs Expertise I can answer questions regarding basic ecology (grade
school through high school). I can also answer some
college level questions as long as they aren't extremely technical.
Experience I had been a Park Ranger/Naturalist at Grand Teton National Park for 3 summers. Prior to that I was a naturalist for 4 summers at Cattus Island County Park in New Jersey. I also graduated from Rutgers University with a BS in Natural Resource Management.
Education/Credentials BS in Natural Resource Management from Rutgers University, with honors.
Awards and Honors Philip Alampi Scholar, Moorestown Rotary Scholar, Golden Key National Honor Society member.
Expert: Richard Ochs Date: 9/9/2007 Subject: wolves
Question Can you please explain to me how placing a bounty on wolves may cause a significant loss in vegetation?
Answer Amy,
The bounty itself would not cause a loss in vegetation directly. Indirectly, however, if a bounty caused people to kill wolves in large numbers, and if there are no other predators in the ecosystem, the numbers of grazers such as deer and elk would go up. If the numbers of grazers increases, they need more food and would in turn decrease the amount of vegetation.
