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| Photo of Yellowstone Wolf by Mary Strickroth |
Wolves protected in Yellowstone National Park can be hunted when they set foot over the border. One of the areas where park wolves die is Montana Wolf Unit 313. The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission is considering whether to raise the quota of wolves that can be killed in that unit from the current two to six. That means that up to four more wolves could die each and every year.
The commission wants public opinion on this decision. You do not have to be a Montana resident to voice your opinion. The deadline for commenting is June 18.
Please follow the link at the end of this post to make an online public comment stating that you object to having the quota in Unit 313 raised from two to six. You will be helping to save the lives of up to four wolves each year.
I spoke recently with a Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) staffer about their comment process. The staffer said that all comments are read and compiled and sent to FWP and the five Fish and Wildlife commissioners. I was told that it is important to add supporting information to your comments. A comment that only says, “Don’t kill any wolves,” will not have as much impact as that same comment would with factual supporting information.
After attending two FWP meetings and discussing this issue with many wolf advocates, I have put together a list of five reasons why increasing the quota of wolves killed in Unit 313 is a bad idea, scientifically, economically, and socially.
Please read the list and use any reasons that resonate with you. Write them in your own words when you comment. Your comment doesn’t have to be a work of art. It just needs supporting information. Follow the link at the end of this post to submit your comment to Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks.
The quota for wolves in Unit 313 should be kept at two for the following reasons:
1. There is no biological reason to support killing more wolves in 313. Montana has set goals for the number of elk in each unit. The current number of elk in Unit 313 meets the goal. Elk are not threatened by wolves in that unit.
2. Economically, wolves are worth far more alive than dead. Some of the wolves that will die in Unit 313 will be wolves from Yellowstone. Last year about 750,000 of Yellowstone visitors entered the park through the north gate at Gardiner. Those visitors leave lots of money that supports the economy of Gardiner. Fewer wolves to see means fewer visitors to the park and Gardiner. Killing wolves in Unit 313 could harm the economy of Gardiner.
3. FWP says that 29 wolves have been observed in the Gardiner Basin, the area of Unit 313. Furthermore, FWP says that an area’s wolf population can survive even if up to 29% of its wolves are killed. Their recommendation to allow the killing of six wolves in Unit 313 is based on these two assumptions.
But only about twelve wolves in three packs reside in the Gardiner Basin. The rest of the 29 wolves observed there by FWP are probably Yellowstone wolves following prey out of the park. Data from the collars of park wolves shows that these animals spend little time outside the park. It makes no sense to include them in the wolf count being used to justify killing more wolves in Unit 313.
4. FWP should acknowledge that protecting tourism must be one of their stated goals when considering the wolf quota in Unit 313. In addition, many Yellowstone wolves wear collars. These collars provide significant scientific information that help us understand how wolves impact the ecology of an area. FWP must acknowledge that protecting these research wolves must be one of their stated goals when considering the wolf quota in Unit 313.
5. A comment heard often from those who supported the proposal to increase the quota goes like this: We should kill more wolves because wolves are killing so many elk that it’s harder for me to find elk to kill. FWP records do not support that comment. The statistics reveal:
In 2004 (earliest online record), 106,896 hunters took 23,313 Montana elk.
In 2004, Montana had 153 wolves.
In 2014, 107,663 hunters took 25,735 elk.
In 2014, Montana had 554 wolves.
Across Montana, more hunters took more elk while more wolves roamed the state. Some hunters may be having a harder time bringing down elk, but hunters as a whole are doing better even with wolves around. If hunters in Unit 313 are having a hard time getting an elk, there are more than 160 other elk units they can hunt in.
In the Temple of Wolves
by Rick Lamplugh
The deadline for comments is June 18; please comment now at this link:
In the Temple of Wolves
by Rick Lamplugh
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Please do not increase the number of wolves allowed to be killed in Unit 313. There is no scientific reason, based on what I've read, to increase the killing from 2 to 4. If these wolves wander in and out of Yellowstone that does not mean they should be killed. I go to national parks to see wildlife and not to hear about how many wolves are killed. I want to see them. If there is a shortage of elk, don't blame wolves, blame hunters who out number wolves by the thousands.
ReplyDeleteblame the hunters, they are killing the animal these animals need to sustain, them self, hunters can go to king soopers and get burger,,,,
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ReplyDeletePlease do not institute any further culls. Nature is perfectly in balance and generally the more people interfere the more disastrous the outcome. Wildlife has a right to exist without continued human interference and killings.
ReplyDeleteI would have figured you already knew the answer.... The last time you took out the wolves the entire ecosystem suffered.....overeating of plants...sickness in wildlife. Take out more wolves if you intend to ruin the entire eco system. Personally I'd leave it to Mother Nature whom obviously has more common sence.
ReplyDeleteleave the wolves alone,, they were here first,, now it is time humans moved!!! same goes for all wildlife, grizzlies, buffalo, lynx, mountain lions, you name it,, leave them alone,,
ReplyDeleteThere is no reason for increasing the numbers; nor should there be any culling of these beautiful creatures. Human encroachment where animals already exist is the problem. It is time for us to back off.
ReplyDeleteIn this day and age there is NO JUSTIFIBLE reason for hunting! It should be illegal. Wolves are a valuable part of the ecosystem and should be left alone. Nature needs to be left in control. It always takes care of its own. Wolves belong in the wild, unlike hunters and ranchers. They are a beautiful and integral part of the environment. STOP THE KILLING!!
ReplyDeleteI OBJECT to the killing quota increase from two to six in the wolf Unit 313. It has been proven time & time again that wolves keep Elk, Deer, & other such herds healthy. It has also been proven in Yellowstone that the presence of wolves in the area has benefitted the entire eco system. As far as cattle ranches are concerned, it has also been proven that there are NON lethal ways to keep wolves away from stock animals. If people cannot deal with the wilds of nature, they should move to Chicago or New York City.
ReplyDeleteWe should be working toward a reasonable coexistence with wolves and all other predator species. We are supposed to be evolved human beings; we are smarter than this--to turn to hunting to solve any perceived problem with Wolves. We are more of a threat to wolves than they are to us. Please think this through; please listen to scientists and people who are working and studying how we can coexist with predator animals. Please leave irrational hatred of wolves in the 19th century where it belongs. We are better than this. Please avoid falling back on the easy hunt-them-down method. That is beneath us as a civilized society.
ReplyDeleteI am vehemently opposed to the raising of the wolf "take" quota in Unit 313 or anywhere else. The only reason I visit national parks is in hopes of glimpsing wildlife -- and I am not referring to squirrels and bunnies. Statistically speaking, In 2004 (earliest online record), 106,896 hunters took 23,313 Montana elk. In 2004, Montana had 153 wolves.
ReplyDeleteIn 2014, 107,663 hunters took 25,735 elk.
In 2014, Montana had 554 wolves.
If hunters cannot find elk available for killing in 313, let them search elsewhere--that's what "hunting" means!
Stop the constant slaughtering!
ReplyDeleteSTOP THE CONSTANT KILLING OF WOLVES !
ReplyDeleteIncreasing the cull to 6 wolves a year is irresponsible. These animals have come back from near extinction and have shown to be valuable to the ecosystem. Taking out 6 wolves could lead to a whole pack being killed. This is unacceptable !!
ReplyDeletePlease do not kill anymore wolves in Unit 313. the science and number of elk killed in this area do not support this decision.
ReplyDeleteHaven't the wolves been acused enough for disappearance of the elk and other things? It's time to put the blame where it belongs, the blame should be placed on the ranchers and the hunters!! Not the wolves!!
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ReplyDeleteApproximately twelve wolves in three packs reside in the Gardiner Basin. The rest of the 29 wolves observed there by FWP are probably Yellowstone wolves following prey out of the park. Data from the collars of park wolves shows that these animals spend little time outside the park. It makes no sense to include them in the wolf count being used to justify killing more wolves in Unit 313. The wolves should be left alone - do not increase the quota.
ReplyDeletePlease stop killing the wolves
ReplyDeleteIf anything the quota should be zero. Please just stop killing the beautiful creatures.
ReplyDeletePlease do not raise the quota for killing Yellowstone wolves (unit 313)
ReplyDeletePlese don't kill any more wolves. Wolves are important to the eco system and are one of the links in the chain. We, as humans, need to change our attitude to our decreasing wildlife and start protecting it.
ReplyDeleteThis is my own opinion, I think by raising the quota on the killing of Wolves is a very poor way of managing the pack.I think a good way would be that would be,when the female give birth in the spring to do a head count.and take some of the pups from the den,and hand raise them in a approved sanctuary. This way they could keep from killing and have a supply of wolves to restart new packs and let some wolves to sell some to reputable Sanctuary's for people and children see them near big city's.. It would show the public they are not blood THIRSTY KILLERS as they are said to be... As long as the sanctuary have at least 5 to 10 acres of wild habitat and closely monitored by the Game commission of ther locality...
ReplyDeletePlease save all wolves!
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, I T-TOTALLY object to having the quota in Unit 313 raised from two to six. Wolves are creatures that believe in Family. They assist the farmers by thining out the heard & disposing of the week ones--They help us Scientifically, Economically & Socially---you can read about the reports of these ways in most ANY papers or Reports, by the Yellowstone Park Staff.
ReplyDeleteKindly do not increase the wolf cull quota from 2 to 6 in the Unit 313 Area. As a wolf has no GPS to guide him or her, overstepping their boundary is inevitable. But, that should not be a death sentence for this wolf.
ReplyDeleteEven a lost wolf should be saved. It is a known fact and supported by many, that a wolf pack will mourn the loss of one of their members.
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ReplyDeleteI am against this quota from two to even three in unit 13. I speak for many people when I ask, please don't do this. Thank you
ReplyDeleteI am against increasing the wolf cull auota in the unit 313 area. The wolves help manage the eco system. And they also help with the tourism of the area. People come to see the wolves. And if there are no wolves to see. Then the tourist will not come. And in turn the stores, hotels, motels, restaurants & people of that area will loose business. The wolves take care of themselves and the eco system. They are the ones that keep other animals in their places.please do not destroy any more of the wolves.They are beautiful animals.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Thank you
I am AGAINST the killing of any wolves, economically, wolves are worth far more alive than dead. They only help sustain the ecosystem. look what they have done to help Yellowstone. I don't understand why this keeps coming up. When is the FWP going to see this? Why do we have to keep saying NO! Because the wolves wonder out of a protected area? They don't know an invisible boundary line. Why should they be punished by death? Nothing good will come from this. PLEASE STOP!
ReplyDeleteDo not increase the wolf cull quota from 2 to 6 in the Unit 313 Area. Preserve and stop this outrageous ungodly slaughter of our wolves~~~ Rather we humans should be turning our attention towards preserving and enlarging their natural habitats, such as our protected national parks. The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission; I implore you to think of the consequences that will only bring more outrage! Do analyze the impact regarding future generations that will look down upon this ungodly act to our wolves as The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commision will bear the shame!
ReplyDeleteI'm totally against the random slaughter of these beautiful animals!
ReplyDeleteI am against increasing the wolf quota in Unit 313. We have intruded into their lands and hunt their food. There is no scientific basis for increasing the quota. Based on the data provided by FWP there was an increase in the number of elk taken in Montana by hunter in recent years despite the increase in the number of wolves. Therefore the wolves have not had an impact on the hunting of elk. Wolve bring money into the state of Montana by increasing tourism. People travel from all over the world to Yellowstone. Many of them stay in Montana, therefore providing income for the businesses around Yellowstone.
ReplyDeleteI am Thai who have visited yellowstone almost every year since 2009 to watch wildlife. My favorite wildlife is wolf. I fly across the globe to see them in Yellowstone as it is the best place in the world to see wolves in the wild. Since the wolves from the park can be hunted if they go outside the park (especially the year 06 was killed), sighting the wolves is very difficult since then. Please do not increase the quota of killing the wolves. I still would like to go there every year if a chance to see wolves is still good.
ReplyDeletePlease do not increase the quota to kill more wolves. Wolves are an important part of a natural balance in nature. Why are hunters getting their way? A native species would never be allowed to be hunted in our country. It seems that native species like wolves have been taken for granted. In Chernobyl, Russia where there was a nuclear disaster and people left, the native animals returned and are in perfect balance and in higher numbers! I am hoping to visit Yellowstone Park one day and hope I'll be able to see the wildlife especially wolves.
ReplyDeletethis is America - we value our wildlife - stop killing them in favor of welfare ranchers and psychopath hunters..
ReplyDelete1000% agree with this comment
DeletePlease do not institute any further killings. Nature is perfectly in balance and generally the more people interfere the more disastrous the outcome. Wildlife has a right to exist without continued human interference and killings.
ReplyDeleteThere will be no reason for me to go to Montana if all the wolves are killed off. You would lose a lot of tourists when you lose your wildlife. I plead that you stop the nazi killings of our wildlife. I have seen a lot of photos of wildlife pilled up high ehich sadly reminds me of Chernobyl.
ReplyDeleteThere will be no reason for me to go to Montana if all the wolves are killed off. You would lose a lot of tourists when you lose your wildlife. I plead that you stop the nazi killings of our wildlife. I have seen a lot of photos of wildlife pilled up high ehich sadly reminds me of Chernobyl.
ReplyDeleteI dont see that killing more wolves is going to do anything but hurt the wolf program they just took them off ove we the people want all the great animals in our Country to be here for all generations. We nee to stop killing . Please dont add if anything stop or there wont be any to look at not evn at Yellowstone. Think about it.
ReplyDeleteMontana has no business doing this. One single insignificant state playing around where it has no right to do so, in this case a national park belonging to the American people has got to be a federal offence in some way.
ReplyDeleteThank you for letting us know about this. Here is what I wrote and sent to the link you provided: I am opposed to the proposal to up the wolf kill quota from 2 to 6. Let me explain why. I love Yellowstone and have eagerly followed the reintroduction of wolves into its ecosystem. Many scientists have documented the positive results for both the ecosystem and ecotourism. The trophic cascade has been incredibly valuable. In essence, we have learned that by starting recovery at the top with predators like wolves, the whole system benefits. A wild wolf population actually makes for a stronger, healthier and more balanced ecosystem. From plant, to insect, to people... we all stand to benefit from wolves.
ReplyDeleteAlso, from what I have seen in regards to hunters complaining about the elk population, there have been more elk killed even with the wolf population growing. I think humans have interfered with many predator populations without fully understanding their positive impact. Wolves do migrate to find new food sources, and with that create new packs that are genetically diverse which keeps them healthy. Please consider this.
No more killing of the wolves or any of our predators.
ReplyDeleteHumans have become so greedy they don't know when to admit they are in the wrong, hunters kill more then they need to and blame our predators so they get the crap end of the deal.
With out our main predators our world will fail due to humans arrogance, we think we HAVE to keep control over numbers of the animals when in fact we have no need to. This world flourished before humans were put on this planet, they kept everything in line and healthy.
There are ways to Co exist with the beautiful creature's, ways that does NOT include wiping this planet clean of its animals. There are non lethal ways to keep ranchers live stock safe and not kill more predators.
Please reconsider this idea and leave the wolves alone and all the other predators.
Let them live, please. All of them!
ReplyDeleteDo not increase the killing of the main source of our eco system. Wolves should be protected, not hunted. They keep the balance of the earth and all its inhabitants.
ReplyDeletePlease do not allow more Wolves to be murdered. Wolves are an essential being in our world and to our our ecosystem. Yellowstone has been restored and been flourishing since Wolf's return. Humans have no right murdering our beautiful Wolves to the point of extinction. It is not for humans to decide who lives and who dies. Please save our Wolves.
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