According to the Center for Biological Diversity, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game wants to reduce the number of wolves in their Lolo zone from an estimated 70-120 wolves to just 20-30. Why? To boost the elk population for hunters. Again. Because the area is so remote, they plan to do it with aerial gunning.
But according to CBD, " The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has determined that predation by wolves has played a role in elk losses, but in fact the steepest declines in the elk population began after large fires in the 1980s destroyed their habitat -- before wolves had reached substantial numbers in the state." There are also other causes of death: bears, cougars, severe weather, and hunters.
That's right - Idaho wants to kill wolves because the wolves kill elk, but they still allow elk hunting. With "any weapon."
What you can do: The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services is accepting comments on this proposal until February 28, 2012. Send your letter to:
Tom Vilsack
U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave., S.W.
Washington, DC 20250
If you're short on time, you can use the Center for Biological Diversity's online webform, here.
Kevin Schafer / Getty Images
Suggested Links:
- Don't Blame Wolves for Elk Deaths
- Killing Wolves, Because Only People Should Kill Livestock
- Wolves Removed from Endangered Species Act Protection
- Hunting Myths and Facts
Follow Me on Twitter
Like my Facebook Page
No comments:
Post a Comment