Thursday, January 29, 2015

Reader's view: #Wolves are an essential part of America’s wildlife


I understand the anguish ranchers face when they lose livestock (“Wolf ruling could affect Minnesota livestock,” Jan. 21). However, nearly 98 percent of all livestock losses are from birth defects, illness, injuries, and natural disasters, according to WildEarth Guardians and others.
Wolves range in a fraction of their original territories. They were brought to near extinction by man’s lust to spill the blood of a rival predator and collect trophies.

In states where wolves have vanished, ranchers suffer the same losses, proving the slaughter of wolves is unjustifiable.

Man uses helicopters, barbaric traps, snares, bait with poison or hooks and denning, inflicting long suffering for the amusement of imposing torture. The murdering of pregnant females and pups is sadistic.

Trapping is inhumane. Often, innocent creatures and pets suffer and die in traps.

Wolves kill for survival and without distinguishing between livestock and wild animals. It’s the responsibility of ranchers to implement deterrents like fencing, dogs, lighting and flags to avoid conflicts.

Ranchers shouldn’t graze on known wolf lands or on public lands where wolves are supposed to live free from man. Carcasses must be removed to avoid attraction.

Minnesota’s hunting goal of 1,600 wolves was unrealistic.

Keeping wolves in a small area undermines their recovery. Wolves are territorial and should determine their own suitable territory. With 86,943 square miles, Minnesota has room for more wolves and their full recovery.

Wolves are intelligent. They’ll learn to avoid livestock as they avoid humans. Given a chance, they’ll establish their territory, protect it and deter other predators.

The majority of taxpayers want wolves to fully recover, believing in the Endangered Species Act, knowing all creatures are precious and must be protected.

Wolves are an essential part of America’s wildlife. We must use science and common sense to adjust to them and not destroy what we choose not to understand.

Irene Sette
New Milford, N.J.

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