Douglas W. Smith

Dr. Douglas W. Smith is a renowned wildlife biologist best known for his pioneering work in the reintroduction and long-term study of gray wolves in Yellowstone National Park. With over four decades of experience in field biology, he has played a critical role in understanding predator-prey relationships and the broader ecological impact of apex predators on ecosystems.

Dr. Smith earned his undergraduate degree in Wildlife Biology from the University of Idaho, followed by a master’s in Biology from Michigan Technological University. He went on to complete his Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he focused on beaver ecology.

He began his career studying wolves on Isle Royale in the late 1970s and later worked on wolf populations in Minnesota. In 1994, he joined the Yellowstone Gray Wolf Restoration Project, becoming the project leader just a few years later. Under his leadership, the program became one of the most closely studied wildlife reintroductions in history.

Dr. Smith has published extensively on wolf behavior, ecosystem dynamics, and conservation biology. He has authored and co-authored several books and has been widely recognized for his ability to communicate science to both professional and public audiences.

Beyond his research, Dr. Smith is a passionate educator and speaker who shares his insights on wildlife conservation at conferences and public events across the country. He currently lives in Montana and continues to advocate for ecological restoration and the importance of biodiversity.