In the early history of America, the Native Americans took care of the land and the wildlife, making sure to take only what they needed. When the settlers came to the New World, they hunted to make fine clothes for their men and women as well as for basic food. Gradually, the wildlife decreased. During Teddy Roosevelt's presidency, more people became aware of the wildlife endangerment issue. In this time, many preservation organizations were formed such as the National Parks System (Yellowstone National Park was the first) and the National Wildlife Refuge System. Writers got involved in the movement. Congress also passed many laws at this time limiting hunting among other things. Since then, the interest in wildlife conservation has varied. Some years and decades have been very involved with conservation and other years, especially those years surrounding WW2, have had added interest in hunting and lowered interest in wildlife conservation.
Bibliography
Brown, Robert D.. "The History of Wildlife Conservation and Research in the United States – and Implications for the Future." The College of Natural Resources n.d, n. pag. North Carolina State University. Web. 7 Oct. 2012.
"United States – Where We Work – Wildlife Conservation Society - Wildlife Conservation Society ." WCS.org - Wildlife Conservation Society . N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Oct. 2012. <http://www.wcs.org/where-we-work/north-america/united-states.aspx>.
