Comments on: Death of Alpha Wolf Sparks Renewed Concern over Hunting near Yellowstone

By: Janice

Janice — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:31:35 +0000

Wolves are a keystone species and part of the ecosystem. This is a real heritage. The ranchers are reimbursed for all documented wolf kills. Yes there are stresses on the cattle and their movement does result in less weight gain. the facts, however,are that coyotes cause more predation since they have less fear of humans. Coyotes are down an average of 50% in the reintroduction areas. Certain managers as the Northern Arapaho of the Wind River Rez manage their large ranch and do NOT have kills by placing the more vulnerable livestock closer to the populated areas. These original ranchers are teachers. After the reintroduction they welcomed the wolves back and managed their ranch. The tourist industry results in an average of 3M due to reintroduction.

By: Mary-Eileen Venturella

Mary-Eileen Venturella — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 23:15:11 +0000

Isn’t there a program (Federal?) that replaces any livestock lost due to wolf predation? Where, then, is the justification for all the wolf killings? So far, all I’ve seen i s overgrown little man-children shooting wolves just for fun—some are laughing, in fact—to feel better abiout themselves for having tiny penises. Wow, wiping out an endangered species that has every right to be there: NOW you’re a man. As for the loss of pets… how many are those? ANd why aren’t your pets kept inside your home? Why are they allowed to roam leashless and unsupervised outside their home; particularly in areas where predators such as wolves are known to frequent? And, shouldn’t your livestock be confined to your own land, fenced in, not on public land?

By: Bhenry

Bhenry — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 14:58:03 +0000

OK, I do agree that a full report would be ehlpful. There are never comprehensive reports on anything from a government. I, too, love my dogs, but it’s difficult to see any animal targeted and blamed for every ecosystem or wildlife change. That’s what those systems do – they shift and change. Just because it was a success story doesn’t mean we need to chop it off and start over. What are some ways to meet in the middle? How can the wolves be monitored and how can we prevent the collared wolves from being killed? Can the ranchers and residents be warned of a wolf presence in an area before something occurs? Can the wolves be tranquilized instead of killed and transported to a reserve? What about “wolf birth control”? Are there any ranchers and residents who are pro-wolf who use different solutions? Let’s get some new ideas out there and create solutions instead of angst, death, extinction-woes, anger, and greif in the face of a wildlife treasure. (next we’ll discuss lions, rhinos, elephants, whales and dolphins – they need help too).

By: Bhenry

Bhenry — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 14:43:11 +0000

I agree with you. Wolves are a national treasure and there must be new ways to find some common gound. Those hunting wolves are simply for the sport – wow how much of a man you are to shoot something. hunting is one thing – but this is killing for killing sake. I’m sure the residents and ranchers in those states have a completely different feeling, but they are our wolves too. I believe hunters who kill the collared wolves should be fined heavily and maybe if they tranquilize them instead and pass them to a game warden, they get a reward. It’s painful to read this, but th emore who do and the more who pay attention, the faster we can stop this rediculous killing.

By: Renee Tharp

Renee Tharp — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 05:38:24 +0000

I agree completely!! It really is tragic for all of nature! Man is really stupid when it comes to realizing that all animals (of whatever type) have an important place to fill in the hierarchy of nature, and when you kill off a major species, you throw the whole system out of whack!!

By: Marian Hennings

Marian Hennings — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 23:59:29 +0000

We should definitely relist the wolf nationwide in order to stop this senseless massacre of wolves that is now taking place.

By: Sharon

Sharon — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 20:01:02 +0000

Wolves are natural predators to deer, elk and other woodland creatures. If humans would quit killing every moving mammal that wolves prey on in the wilderness then they wouldn’t have to hunt “outside the box” of nature.

By: BJS

BJS — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 00:31:44 +0000

It’s terrible thing when wolves are killed just because! Is the man that killed the Alpha Female going to be fined & made to pay back the cost $4,000 collar? Why was she killed, for no good reason so this man could have bragging rights! Her mate had also been killed this year & her pups were left alone to survive on their own. If the wolves are killing livestock the ranchers are responsible to protect the livestock, put up fences. The owners of dogs should also be careful to take care of their pets. The wolves don’t know any better it they are hungry they will eat what they can. Maybe they should be put back on the endangered list to protect them from man!

ALPHA

By: dean lehman

dean lehman — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 18:11:18 +0000

you r the reason I’m vegan 4 critically endangered red wolves have been shot recently during night hunting
some day I hope hunters and ranchers will be extinct

By: sac875

sac875 — Sat, 05 Jan 2013 16:48:32 +0000

I agree very much with AnnMarie, just because we can doesn’t mean we should and am many times ashamed to be part of the human race — but there are also times I am proud when I see people helping to make a difference but this is an issue that needs more universal compassion.