Wolves ARE Important!

8/11/2013 Letter: Wolves important to environment

As a veterinarian and conservationist, I am disturbed at the tone, inaccuracies and lack of understanding of Gary Watson with regard to the reintroduction of Mexican gray wolves. The Mexican gray wolf is the most endangered mammal in North America. Currently there are only 75. It is of vital importance to continue to release healthy, reproductively intact animals until a stable population is reached. As apex predators, wolves are important for the health of the ecosystem. They specifically target aged and infirm prey animals, a whole different population than humans target. Where wolves have been reintroduced, the ecosystem has flourished, improved and become more biodiverse. Wolves are shy, rarely even seen by humans, much less interacting with them. It is my understanding that the animals that are released are vaccinated for rabies. Although they are capable of attacking cattle and certainly sheep, only a miniscule fraction of the deaths of these animals is attributable to predators of any sort. With careful husbandry techniques, losses can be significantly reduced. It is the height of human arrogance to think that one animal "does not belong." The Mexican gray wolf most certainly does belong and citizens all across the country and the world are watching closely to see if New Mexico handles this challenge in a responsible manner. Thank you for your time and attention. Chris Albert, DVM Lebanon Junction, Ky.source