Sorry days ahead for the Gray Wolf

[garner]

Idaho proposes the removal of Gray Wolfs ferderal endangered list in the Northern Rocky Mountains and the Governor wants to be the first to buy hunting license such a sorry time after being hunted near to extinction more info on NBC news another sad story for wildlife,when will it stop?

[wiggal]

How can they do that?
Surely if its endangered, hunting them is the last thing that should be allowed.

[lugus]

I think the fact that the Governor wants to buy the first licence explains it all! Perhaps it's time for an election.

[garner]

I cannot understand it, Gov: Otter wants the numbers down to 100 bearing in mind it was only in 1995 that they were reintroduced it just dose not make any sense at all.

[Clanad]

Living here in the western U.S., perhaps I could shed some light on the issue.
In April, 2003, the Idaho Legislature passed a bill that allows the state to participate in wolf management. The bill, H0294, allows IDFG to assist the Governor's Office of Species Conservation (OSC) in implementing the State of Idaho's Wolf Conservation and Management Plan as well as participate in wolf management with the USFWS and the Nez Perce Tribe.

The state wolf plan requires that a minimum of 15 packs of wolves be maintained in Idaho. In December 2005, Idaho had at least 36 verified breeding pairs and 61 packs well distributed across the state. The revised 10(j) rule allows the state to manage and conserve wolf populations and reduce conflicts between wolves and human interests. The goal is to maintain healthy wolf populations with reasonable management that would ultimately lead to delisting wolves. Once delisted, wolves would be managed in a manner similar to black bears and mountain lions. When feasible and legal, the state would propose hunting wolves to provide opportunity for harvest of wolves, as well as to reduce problems with livestock and to maintain a balance between wolves and their prey. In some areas, trapping also may be allowed. All control methods now used by Wildlife Services and the USFWS would be used by the state. (Source Idaho Game and Fish Commission).

Contd

[Clanad]

Contd.

The original plan for re-introduction envisioned about 200 wolves to sustain a viable population as well as be controllable as to predation of natural and man made (livestock) animals. Since the original planting, there are now 36 verified breeding pairs and 61 documented packs well distributed throughout Idaho, numbering about 600 animals. This is far in excess of not only the original plan, but is simply not sustainable. Overlooked is the fact that wolves have been planted in Yellowstone National Park as well as the neighboring states of Wyoming and Montana.
All wildlife populations require management for viability. This is the responsibility of the individual States through agreement with the Federal Government....

[lugus]

Ok, can't argue with that.

[garner]

Thanks for enlightening me on the subject Clanad pleased there is more to the story,still feel it is a shame there has to be culling but at least you have explained the situation .Thanks once again