A Waiting Game?..What do we do now?

Idaho’s wolf management plan is complete and ready for submission to the USFWS, Wyoming’s plan including dual-classification of wolves has been completed and Montana’s plan was just recently released in final form. However, these plans HAVE NOT been approved yet by the USFWS. So, what can we do now? Can comments and opinions still make any difference for the future of wolves?

It is still increasingly important to let the USFWS, regional officials and our state legislators know our opinions on wolf management, survival and recovery in the Northwest, as well as throughout the United States. Simply because there are not opportunities right now to submit formal comments on a particular plan, does not mean that the wolves do not need us to speak up for them to ensure their future survival. We must keep the pressure on! Once delisted, state laws will take over. We must communicate to state and regional officials that wolves are not recovered to the level that will ensure future survival throughout the ecosystem. Further protections are critically needed.

We must let officials know that:

We DO NOT SUPPORT artificial limits on the number of wolves that will be allowed in each state. Whether 10, 15 or 20 breeding pairs or packs, research has shown that this level is dangerously low and will come nowhere close to ensuring a surviving genetically viable population.

We DO NOT SUPPORT boundaries to keep wolves in "the right places". Wolves are wild animals, they do not understand invisible lines and they do not comprehend what will happen to their livelihood if they cross these lines. They are simply trying to survive in an increasingly hostile environment. They will seek out preferred prey and home ranges, no matter where the "no wolves beyond this boundary" signs are posted.

We DO NOT SUPPORT hunting of wolves once delisted. Idaho and Montana plans both include regulated hunting. Wyoming's plan even calls for a "kill at will" status of predator that will not limit hunting at all. Any hunting of wolves will simply set a very dangerous precedent and will open the door for many more illegal killings. There are far too many people that would enjoy having a wolf pelt draped across their living room couch to allow for any wolf hunting. This is simply asking for the slaughter to begin again. How can hunting an animal that is surviving in only 2% of its native territory be acceptable? Bringing home a wolf will not ensure a family will have meat in the freezer all winter, it will simply be another trophy to hang on the wall. There is absolutely no reason to hunt wolves. They breed according to their available prey and habitat; they will not multiply into the tens of thousands as some fear. Wolves are far too intelligent for this.

Keep the pressure on!

1. Write to your State Senators and Representatives. You can find out contact information by going to vote-smart.org
2. Write to the following Regional Directors:

   Ed Bangs
   (in charge of all wolf management in ID, MT and WY)
   U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
   100 North Park Avenue, Ste 320
   Helena, MT 59601
   (406) 449-5225 extension 204
   email: Ed_Bangs@fws.gov

   Dave Allen, Pacific Regional Director
   Dave Wesley, Deputy Regional Director
   USFWS Pacific Region
   (ID, WA, OR, CA, NV)
   911 NE 11th Ave
   Portland, OR 97232
   (503) 231-6828

   Ralph Morgenweck, Reg.. Director
   USFWS Mountain Prairie Region
   (MT, WY, UT, CO, ND, SD, NE, KS)
   PO Box 25486
   Denver, Co 80225
   (303) 236-7920