Heads Up

[elmo]

Well, if you read the actual article, you discover that this so-called movement is one environmental group, and a similar petition was already rejected in 2008. The article goes on to note:

Like the Bush administration, the Obama administration has pushed to end federal protections for wolves and return control over the animals to the states.

It's certainly possible that the Fish and Wildlife Service might implement the recommendations of this group, but I wouldn't hold my breath.​

 

[breezy]

I am originally from Montana. I now live in Colorado. I have family in Montana Idaho Wyoming and Utah. With the exception of Utah wolves have been spotted in all those places, some being decendants of the wolves originally reintroduced in Montana. My personal experiences and observations are that this whole discussion is moot. The wolves are spreading themselves across the land and will repopulate it themselves, given time. We had one of the Montana wolf decendants struck and killed on I70 not 25 minutes from my house. I got that info directly from one of my clients who is fish and game. As the population grows they will expand their territories, so really there isnt any need to repopulate by the government. What needs to happen now is clearer laws on managing whats already been started. Wolves need to have a place in order to keep balance but doesnt mean that wolves get off scott free either. There needs to be respect from the predators as well as for them.. just my .02.

 

[aprophet]

Quote:
She was killed by coyotes not wolves.

http://www.montana.edu/~wwwbi/staff/creel/bio480/The red wolf.pdf

 

[VioletBlueIvy]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Wolf
http://www.fws.gov/redwolf/index.html

 

[HLAC]

Woman killed by wolves.

http://www.brokencountry.com/index....ner-teacher-alaskan-teacher-killed-by-wolves/

 

[VioletBlueIvy]

Quote:
I agree, and I think a discussion on how to handle protecting your livestock from the wolves would be very helpful to people like the OP. Arguing about the validity of their existence or whether you want them around or not is a moot point. They exist, so what can one do to protect themselves?

I feel like if something happens to my animals, it is my own fault for not keeping them safe. It's not the fault of the wild animal that is just trying to survive.

Arent you allowed to take actions against them if they are threatening you or your livestock? I am not familiar with the exact rules. It would be helpful to know what they are in the areas where they have been reintroduced and are protected, just in case it goes up for consideration in other places, so people can be informed and get involved and make sure mistakes made elsewhere aren't repeated, and the best way to manage the situation can be found.

 

[la dee da]

Sooo basically those areas with wolves have fewer problems with coyotes instead of bigger problems with the both of them? What happens when they do cause trouble? And no that's not a loaded question I'm genuanly curious

.

 

[herfrds]

We have a pair of black wolves running between the Missouri River and a couple of montain ranges. As long as they leave our livestock alone we have left them alone.
We saw them one morning after a snow storm. Now this pertains to the coyote population remarks.
These wolves were attacking a coyote at the time. 1998 was the year. You could tell what they were due to the size difference between the 3 animals. When we went over to the area after they had left after seeing us, the distance between where their prints stopped and begain again was at least 6'. DH walked right between them without seeing them.
Lost our first calf in 1996, the year of the reintroduction to Yellowstone. Federal trapper even told us that the trappers had been catching wolves even before this whole deal started, but were told to keep their mouths shut.
Yes I know wolves are expanding their territory. But when livestock owners are not allowed to protect their animals then the problem arises.

As for the belief that wolves will lower the number of deer and coyotes it will only accure for a short time until the wolves decide that taking slower and easier prey is better then fast running deer. that is when they will come in for the cattle, sheep, goats, birds and other animals including llamas.
Need to take a look at the big picture.
I was a supporter of bringing wolves back into Montana years ago, but after seeing what it does to livestock producers I changed sides. I guess until you see what damage is done and experience that loss for yourself it is hard to accept what others say.

 

[VioletBlueIvy]

So what are you and aren't you allowed to do to protect your animals? What works and what doesnt?

 

[breezy]

Quote:
Yes I agree. Thats what I was trying to say earlier. Doesnt really matter at this point what anyone thinks about their presence. The fact is they are here now. What is needed now is better management of the current populations and reinforcement from the local fish and game for livestock holders. Wholesale slaughter of wolves isnt the answer nor is turning a blind eye to the loss of livelyhood with the explanation that "they were here first" or "their just wolves doing what wolves do" The answer lies somewhere in the middle with laws that protect both sides so that both the wolf and the livestock holder have a place in the world....again just my .02. I come from a long line of farmers and ranchers and I carry native blood. I respect the wolf but I get it about the livestock too.