Visitor Counter

hitwebcounter web counter
Visitors Since Blog Created in March 2010

Click Below to:

Add Blog to Favorites

Coyotes-Wolves-Cougars.blogspot.com

Grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, coyotes, cougars/ mountain lions,bobcats, wolverines, lynx, foxes, fishers and martens are the suite of carnivores that originally inhabited North America after the Pleistocene extinctions. This site invites research, commentary, point/counterpoint on that suite of native animals (predator and prey) that inhabited The Americas circa 1500-at the initial point of European exploration and subsequent colonization. Landscape ecology, journal accounts of explorers and frontiersmen, genetic evaluations of museum animals, peer reviewed 20th and 21st century research on various aspects of our "Wild America" as well as subjective commentary from expert and layman alike. All of the above being revealed and discussed with the underlying goal of one day seeing our Continent rewilded.....Where big enough swaths of open space exist with connective corridors to other large forest, meadow, mountain, valley, prairie, desert and chaparral wildlands.....Thereby enabling all of our historic fauna, including man, to live in a sustainable and healthy environment. - Blogger Rick

Subscribe via email to get updates

Enter your email address:

Receive New Posting Alerts

(A Maximum of One Alert Per Day)

Sunday, March 15, 2020

“Recently, the Idaho Fish and Game changed its rules to allow any hunter or trapper to kill up to 30 wolves per year”............“And the state is considering a proposal to open much of the state to year-round wolf killing”.............“In Montana, the MDFWP is discussing increases from 5 to 10 wolf tags for some parts of the state”...........”The one take-home message from these actions is that the prediction that once the states were given management of wolves, we would see a rational, biologically informed management is inaccurate”..........“The old bias against predators is based more on a cultural attitude as any scientific value”







Recently, the Idaho Fish and Game changed its rules to allow any hunter or trapper to kill up to 30 wolves per year. And the state is considering a proposal to open much of the state to year-round wolf killing.

In Montana, the MDFWP is discussing increases from 5 to 10 wolf tags for some parts of the state.
In both states, we will be eliminating the ecological function of predators. Predators can change how large animals like elk use the landscape and can also preclude excessive browsing of critical areas like riparian zones. Also, wolf kills can provide an essential source of food for scavengers from magpies and eagles up to and including even grizzlies.
Is this hatred of wolves based on massive livestock losses or huge declines in elk numbers?
In 2019, Montana had about 2,550,000 cattle[i], and 108 confirmed cattle losses attributed to all predators, including wolves.[ii] That is such a small percentage as to be laughable.
By contrast, in 2018, Montana ranchers lost 37,000 cattle just to winter storms. The federal Livestock Indemnity Program (one of many rancher welfare programs) paid ranchers more $11.1 million of taxpayer funds.[iii]
How about predator impacts on hunting? In, 1995 when wolves were first restored to Yellowstone and Central Idaho, the Montana elk population was 109,500.
In 2019, Montana’s elk population was estimated at (134,557)[iv] Twenty-five percent over upper objective) and the 2018 elk harvest was 27,793.[v]
A similar situation exists in Idaho. The 1995 Idaho elk population was estimated to be 112,333, and the harvest that year was 22,400. In 2017, the Idaho elk population stood at 116,800 (4,000 more than when wolves arrived. In 2017 elk harvest in Idaho was 22,751—300 more animals that in 1995.
Ironically there is some scientific evidence that random (non-surgical killing) of wolves increase livestock conflicts and elk losses to predators.
Wolves are social animals. They work together to hunt their prey. When members of the pack are killed, it can disrupt the pack’s ability to hold its territory as well as hunt efficiently. Also, smaller packs kill more prey per animal than larger packs.
If a single or small group of wolves kill prey, they often must leave the kill site to bring food back to pups. During their absence, scavengers can consume much of a carcass, forcing the small pack to kill another animal. By contrast, a larger pack can guard its kill and consume it entirely.
Many of my colleagues, particularly in the larger middle of the road conservation groups, supported delisting of wolves arguing that once ranchers saw that wolves were responsible for almost insignificant losses and hunters found out that elk would continue to thrive over much of the West, opposition to predators would dissipate.
I disagreed because I did not think the opposition was based on rational ideas. Wolves, I suggested, were symbolic animals.  As wild animals, wolves represented the forces that neither ranchers nor hunters could control.
Wolves also represent to some people the actions of distant people (despised coastal residents) or a federal government which they too hate—except, of course, for all the federal welfare bestowed on them—also coming primarily from the same coastal residents who pay the bulk of all taxes.
The one take-home message from these actions is that the prediction that once the states were given management of wolves, we would see a rational, biologically informed management is inaccurate. The old bias against predators is based more on a cultural attitude as any scientific value.
I hope that younger ranchers and hunters will have a more sophisticated view of wolves and other predators. In the meantime, the only option for predator proponents is to continue to educate people on why wolves are an essential part of our wildlife heritage.
[i] https://beef2live.com/story-cattle-inventory-vs-human-population-state-0-114255
[ii] http://liv.mt.gov/Attached-Agency-Boards/Livestock-Loss-Board/Livestock-Loss-Statistics-2019
[iii] https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/montana/articles/2019-06-16/over-37-000-cattle-lost-during-brutal-2018-winter-in-montana
[iv] http://fwp.mt.gov/fishAndWildlife/management/elk/
[v] https://myfwp.mt.gov/fwpPub/harvestReports

11 comments:

wolf lover said...

Really sad to kill wolves, some people will never understand how usefull these wild animals are in our ecosystem... 🐺

Shannon Mackle said...

Unbelievable!!!!!

I was cured of herpes..Doctor"s contact ___________Robinson.buckler@yahoo.com…………

Barbara Nimmo said...

This blog post has truly highlighted the ripple effects that decisions in any field can have. Much like Idaho Fish and Game's choice could shape the region's ecology, innovative platforms like seatgeek promo code 40 off can reshape industries.

Ashlee Rolfson said...

I was genuinely intrigued by the insightful perspective shared in this blog post about the changes made by Idaho Fish and Game. It's fascinating to see how wildlife management policies can have a significant impact on local ecosystems.
how much money does bill gates make a second

Jacqueline Kent said...

With scheels coupons as my steadfast companions, my outdoor escapades unfurl sans the burden of fiscal strain. This calculated approach mirrors an investment in my vibrant lifestyle devoid of the premium price label, ensuring that my passions remain accessible.

Maria Adam said...

Many thanks to the blogger for this valuable blog post. Your dedication to sharing knowledge is commendable. pestie 10 off

Whitney Rau said...

I'm a firm believer that learning should be a lifelong pursuit, and this blog perfectly aligns with that philosophy. The continuous flow of valuable information keeps me engaged and excited about expanding my horizons.
jem city discount code

Maria Adam said...

I wanted to send you a small letter to thank you for always posting interesting and educational writings. Keep up the fantastic effort; your passion is absolutely admirable.just incredible deals

Unknown said...

We appreciate you being a voice of inspiration and common sense in the noisy online world. Your sincerity comes very clearly. asus student discount

Timothee Lambert said...

"The quality and depth of the content in this blog are unmatched. It's a go-to source for anyone seeking reliable information and expert opinions."
7now promo codes

Abigale Huels said...

"Thank you to the author for sharing their wisdom and insights with the world. This blog has become my go-to source for reliable information and enriching content."
scheels coupons