Wisconsinites weigh in on wolf hunt
Monday, April 14, 2008 at 12:42 pm
- 2 Comments
This evening Wisconsin residents will have the opportunity to voice their support or displeasure with proposed wolf hunting and trapping seasons in a statewide poll. The results of the poll will be non-binding and the state’s legislature would be required to establish the season, but many hope the poll will give a clearer picture of public support for the wolf.
Canis lupus, also known as the gray wolf or timber wolf, was removed from the Federal Endangered Species list in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan in 2006. Wisconsin currently has an estimated population of 600 wolves, though that population may have decreased for the first time in 15 years due to a parasitic mite called mange. The proposed wolf season is strongly supported by livestock farmers and hunters.
Today’s Christian Science Monitor examines a different approach to living with the wolves, as a trio of writers travel to the tourist-friendly International Wolf Center in Ely, MN. Minnesota’s wolf population has grown to approximately 2,500 since the wolf gained protection from the Endangered Species Act in 1974. An open bounty on wolves and other predators was in effect until 1965 in Minnesota when a wolf-hunting season was established. At the time hunting ceased in 1974, the wolf population in Minnesota was estimated at 350 to 700.
2 Comments
Comment posted April 15, 2008 @ 3:23 pm
Hunting season might not be bad for wolves I would like to convince you that a hunting season on wolves is not a negative development.
The return of wolves to the Upper Great Lakes region is one of the most wonderful success stories in the history of wildlife management. Today more wolves and people are living side-by-side in relative peace than at any time or place in modern history. Minnesotans can take special pride in the tolerance we are showing wolves.
But we can’t assume that the relationship between humans and wolves will remain just what it is now. Wolves seem to be losing their fear of people, and the number of frightening contacts between wolves and humans is increasing (especially in Canada).
Wildlife managers who love wolves are coming to the somewhat unpleasant conclusion that it might be necessary to subject wolves to the sort of management that will keep them afraid of us so the two species can continue to get along as well as we are now. One of the dangers to be avoided is a big swing toward negative views of wolves, as has happened frequently in Europe. Such a swing often leads to harsh management practices that kill a great many wolves.
A hunting season would never reduce wolf numbers by much . . . if at all. Wolves can sustain a surprising amount of mortality without having their overall numbers reduced. It wasn’t guns or even traps that wiped out wolf numbers earlier on; it was poison. We can’t let THAT happen again.
A well-regulated wolf hunting season will not send the wolf back to the Endangered Species list, for it will be closely monitored by people who are committed to the continued presence of wolves in our wild lands. And such a season might keep wolves convinced that people are dangerous. When wolves are afraid of us, they keep a safe distance, and that is probably for the best.
Please note: this opinion comes from someone who passionately loves wolves and wants to see them honored and sustained in Minnesota.
Comment posted April 15, 2008 @ 10:23 am
Hunting season might not be bad for wolves I would like to convince you that a hunting season on wolves is not a negative development.
The return of wolves to the Upper Great Lakes region is one of the most wonderful success stories in the history of wildlife management. Today more wolves and people are living side-by-side in relative peace than at any time or place in modern history. Minnesotans can take special pride in the tolerance we are showing wolves.
But we can't assume that the relationship between humans and wolves will remain just what it is now. Wolves seem to be losing their fear of people, and the number of frightening contacts between wolves and humans is increasing (especially in Canada).
Wildlife managers who love wolves are coming to the somewhat unpleasant conclusion that it might be necessary to subject wolves to the sort of management that will keep them afraid of us so the two species can continue to get along as well as we are now. One of the dangers to be avoided is a big swing toward negative views of wolves, as has happened frequently in Europe. Such a swing often leads to harsh management practices that kill a great many wolves.
A hunting season would never reduce wolf numbers by much . . . if at all. Wolves can sustain a surprising amount of mortality without having their overall numbers reduced. It wasn't guns or even traps that wiped out wolf numbers earlier on; it was poison. We can't let THAT happen again.
A well-regulated wolf hunting season will not send the wolf back to the Endangered Species list, for it will be closely monitored by people who are committed to the continued presence of wolves in our wild lands. And such a season might keep wolves convinced that people are dangerous. When wolves are afraid of us, they keep a safe distance, and that is probably for the best.
Please note: this opinion comes from someone who passionately loves wolves and wants to see them honored and sustained in Minnesota.
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