June 22, 2011
Wolves at the Burke: New exhibit explores human-wolf dynamics
This Grey wolf specimen along with five others from the International Wolf Center is now on view at the Burke Museum.Julie Lawrence Studios/Wolf Haven International
This summer, the howling cry of the wolf will be heard at the Burke Museum. Wolves and Wild Lands in the 21st Century is a timely new exhibit that examines human-wolf interactions in light of recent history and the economic and cultural factors that are shaping wolves future. . The exhibit opened on June 4 and will run through Sept. 5.
North American wolf populations have declined since the arrival of European settlers, and in some regions, entirely disappeared. Under U.S. protection as endangered species, their numbers have increased, but human actions remain critical to their survival. Today, loss of wild lands to development is the greatest threat to wolves and their prey.
Wolves and Wild Lands takes a regional approach, examining issues and experiences from the Arctic to the American Southwest. Although the details vary across the continent, a consistent story emerges: humans determine the future of the wolf in North America
Some of the critical regional issues include:
- In the Far North: Can wolves be hunted and their populations sustained?
- In the Rocky Mountains: Will land development crowd wolves out?
- In the Midwest: Can people change how they live to make living with wolves easier?
- In the Southwest: When wolves prey upon livestock, who gets hurt, the rancher, the wolf, or both?
Wolves and Wild Lands comes to the Burke from the Bell Museum of Natural History in Minneapolis, where it was developed with the International Wolf Center in Ely, Minnesota. It includes six mounted specimens — five wolves and one coyote — accompanied by images and interpretive text.
The Burke Museum is augmenting the exhibit with additional natural history specimens, educational activities, and a small companion display, Wolves in Washington State. The Burke component examines wolves unique history in Washington state, from their importance to Native cultures to the states new management plan. After its launch in Seattle, Wolves in Washington State will travel to other communities and serve as a focus for local education and discussion.
Wolves and Wild Lands in the 21st Century will complement two other environmental exhibits at the Burke Museum: The Owl and the Woodpecker, which opened March 19, and a photographic display in the museums meeting room, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Celebrating Fifty Years.
The Burkes presentation of Wolves and Wild Lands has been made possible by support from Tom and Sonya Campion, Hugh and Jane Ferguson Foundation, Kongsgaard-Goldman Foundation, Norcliffe Foundation, Quest for Truth Foundation, anonymous, and donors to the Burke Museum annual fund.
Learn more at the Burke Museum website.
