Wolf News Roundup 2/8/2017
by Cat Urbigkit, Pinedale Online!
February 9, 2017
Death threats and public info
Wolf managers and livestock producers in the state of Washington have been photographed, stalked, and even received death threats after state officials began lethal removal of problem wolves that repeatedly preyed on livestock last year. The situation became so unnerving that a wolf biologist in charge of the state’s wolf policy he put his family up in a hotel as a safety precaution.
These incidents have led Washington State Representative Joel Kretz to co-sponsor a bill in the legislature that would exempt personal information for anyone connected to a wolf report or a wolf livestock depredation from public disclosure. Kretz noted that the Seattle Times not only named the livestock producer suffering losses to wolves, but provided the location of his ranch. The online article also provided a link to state documents listing the man’s address and telephone number.
Town wolves in Canmore
Wolf activity in the Canadian town of Canmore is on the increase, but elk presence may be the attractant bringing the wolves into town. Provincial officials are monitoring the Fairholme pack, hoping its behavior does not escalate to that of its neighboring Bow Valley pack, in which increasingly bold and aggressive behavior resulted in the lethal removal of several pack members.
Yellowstone wolves
Brett French of the Billings Gazette reports that wolves in Yellowstone are benefitting from winter-killed bison, and with about nine of every 100 bison perishing each winter, that means 500 bison could die this winter. Yellowstone National Park is home to about 100 wolves in 10 wolf packs.
Mexican wolves
The White Mountain Independent takes a look at wolf depredations on livestock in Arizona, how they are investigated, the compensation programs available, and the cascade of costs to livestock producers.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports on wolf advocates and ranchers facing off in competing rallies outside the New Mexico Capitol building this week.
For more information on these stories, check out the links below.
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