"One of the things I've always said to my relatives in Montana and people who have problems with wolves is that I would rather live in a world where wolves can run free than one devoid of them, even if they get shot"-Steve Gilbertson(Washingoton State hiker who recently named a newly established Wolf Pack)

Click the following to access the sent link: Citizens get to name wolf packs they discover* Citizens get to name wolf packs  they discover By RICH LANDERS The Spokesman-Review Published: Oct 5, 2014 at 10:48 AM PDT Last Updated: Oct 5, 2014 at 1:47 PM  PDT 9 Comments Print Email e) SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) - While they view predators from  widely different viewpoints, Steve Gilbertson, a hiker, Ross  Hurd, a rancher, and Bob Jensen, a hunter, are among  Washington's most distinguished wolf watchers. Each had a role in documenting new wolf packs, earning the  honor to dub the packs with their official names. Outdoor lifestyles put the men in touch with the elusive wild canines.  Sharing the information with the Washington Department of Fish  and Wildlife is helping biologists manage a controversial critter  protected by state endangered species laws. Washington currently has 14 confirmed wolf packs with at  least three more suspected packs. Five breeding packs had been identified at the end of 2013  and at least two more pairs were known to have had pups  this year. At least 15 breeding pairs must be scattered over three  regions of the state before state endangered species  protections can be eased. "