Wolf Weekly Wrap-up

18 Nov 2011

Sparse attendance at Wyoming wolf meeting

Just 45 people showed up for the one and only public meeting to discuss the proposed delisting rule for wolves in Wyoming. At least a dozen of the attendees were with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, who hosted the meeting on Nov. 15 in Riverton. Defenders’ Wyoming wolf expert Susannah Woodruff was one of 10 people who offered testimony, which was pretty evenly split between wolf supporters and wolf advocates. Wildlife advocates reiterated their concerns that the aggressive Wyoming wolf management plan puts the long-term recovery of the species at risk. Wolf opponents continue to cite lost revenue from diminished elk hunting opportunities, even though the majority of herds in the state are still over their objective population size. The deadline for public comments is Jan. 13, and the Wyoming legislature is expected to vote on the state plan in February. A final decision is likely to follow soon thereafter. Read full coverage in the Casper Star-Tribune

 

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Phantom wolf pack on the big screen

Student filmmaker Desiree Fawn presented her film “Phantom Wolves of Sun Valley” to a packed theater in Boise, Idaho last night.  The film focused on central Idaho residents and their wide ranging beliefs regarding wolves. Many of our project partners were interviewed including Blaine County Commissioner Larry Schoen, sheep rancher John Faulkner and others.  It is a powerful documentary with an honest depiction of the controversy, fears, passion, politics and confusion that shrouds the wolf conservation issue in the state. Kudos to Desiree for demonstrating that students can make a big difference even with their first projects.
Check out the trailer:

Carter Niemeyer draws huge crowd in Jackson

Former wolf trapper-turned-advocate Carter Niemeyer never disappoints when it comes to addressing the ongoing conflict over wolves. He drew a near-capacity crowd recently of some 160+ people to the National Museum of Wildlife Art in Jackson, Wyoming to share his experiences and answer questions about the West’s most controversial animal. In his usual shoot-from-the-hip style, Niemeyer made quips about “Canis lupus irregardless”—his term for the sub-species of gray wolf that has been idolized and demonized by folks on both side of the debate. Carter said while wolves do eat livestock, it’s essential to base any claims on solid data rather than anecdotal information. He has been a big proponent of nonlethal deterrents, which he says, though not 100 percent effective all the time, are a much better alternative to killing wolves in response to depredations. Thanks to Carter for dispelling myths and helping us spread the word about better ways for wolves and people to coexist!

 

Wolves hunt two bull elk in Yellowstone. Photo courtesy of the U.S. National Park Service.

See wolves in Yellowstone

There’s no better way to show your support for wolves (besides supporting Defenders!) than going to see them in Yellowstone. Our friends at the Yellowstone Association are offering guided tours and special classes to introduce visitors to wolves as well as other animals that make the park one of the best places in the world for wildlife-watching. Check out the list of upcoming events, starting with “Lamar Valley Wolf Week” right after Thanksgiving.


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