There's still time to save America's wolves. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is poised to remove protections for these iconic animals in most of the lower 48 states. Pressure from the Center for Biological Diversity and our allies convinced the Service to extend the public comment period on this deadly plan the first time. Now, due to the government shutdown, the comment period has been extended again until December 17, 2013.
This could be our last chance.
Wolves have been protected under the Endangered Species Act for 40 years, but since 2011 protections have been removed in the northern Rocky Mountains and western Great Lakes regions.
The result? Nearly 1,700 dead wolves.
Despite this horror, the Service has proposed removing wolf protections in the remainder of the lower 48 states abandoning wolf recovery in the Pacific Northwest, southern Rocky Mountains, Northeast and California.
Act now to tell Fish and Wildlife to reject this death sentence for America's wolves.
Dear [Decision maker],
I am writing to express my concern over the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's proposal to remove protections for wolves across most of the lower 48 states. This move will open the door to rampant wolf killing and mark an end of further recovery for these magnificent creatures.
[Your comment will be added here]
The recovery of wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains and western Great Lakes has seen tremendous success. The job of recovery, however, is not done -- removal of Endangered Species Act protections in these two regions has exposed wolves to inconsistent and unwieldy state management. State programs seek to drastically reduce wolf populations, which has resulted in a wholesale wolf slaughter -- to the horror of conservationists, animal lovers and ordinary citizens across the country.
Wolves are loved by many for their close family ties, beauty and spirit. It is deeply sad to see so many wolves die in what are too often gruesome circumstances.
Scientists have identified suitable habitat for wolves in the southern Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest, Northeast and elsewhere. The people and ecosystems of these regions would benefit from wolves, who will not survive here if the pending decision is finalized. I strongly oppose the proposal to remove protections for wolves in these and other areas.
Please do not give up on wolf recovery in such an early state of success -- don't remove Endangered Species Act protections for wolves in the lower 48 states.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
