Don't Let Idaho Kill Endangered Wolves
Hundreds of wolves are at risk in Idaho, where in 2001 legislators passed a measure calling for the elimination of wolves "by any means necessary." The State has recently asked for permission to kill up to 75% of the wolves within the Lolo District of Clearwater National Forest and in an area where they are now protected as an endangered species.
And, they want to repeat the slaughter in the Lolo District every year for the next five years.
Most unsettling is that Idaho would like to kill 3 out of 4 wolves regardless of the wolves' history of interaction with humans and livestock. That means that wolves that have never done anything to harm livestock or people could be killed.
Once hunted, trapped and poisoned to extinction in Idaho, wolves have made a remarkable recovery. An estimated 512 wolves, including 36 breeding packs, are a critical part of Idaho's ecosystems. And, contrary to anti-wolf extremists' claims, the wolves are not a significant threat to livestock or game populations.
Help us stop anti-wolf extremists and save the wolves Urge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife to deny Idaho's request to kill wolves.
As a dedicated conservationist, I strongly urge the Fish and Wildlife Service to reject the state of Idaho's request to kill wolves in the Lolo Elk management zone of the Clearwater Basin and in the area north of I-90, where gray wolves are still protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Gray wolves are an important part of Idaho's ecosystems, and contrary to anti-wolf extremists, are not a significant threat to livestock or game populations. Studies show that habitat loss has had a far greater effect on elk numbers than the reintroduction of wolves to Idaho.
These are not responsible management practices. I strongly encourage you to deny unfounded requests to kill wolves.
Thank you for considering my comments.
