The coalition, comprised of a Stevensville farmer, other state residents and the wildlife protection groups, Wildlife Watchers and Big Wildlife, said the agencies’ killing of all 27 wolves of the Hog Heaven pack last week was "unnecessary and outrageous."
The coalition also said it would take up the wolf killing incident with the Obama Administration next year and urge the federal government to dramatically overhaul how it deals with wildlife conflicts. Finally, the coalition said it would press the new administration to increase safeguards for imperiled wolves.
The Montana residents and groups said the killing of the Hog Heaven pack was unwarranted since most wolves avoid preying on domestic animals. In addition, the coalition said many conflicts with wolves are the result of irresponsible human behavior.
For example, a rancher who refuses to adequately protect his/her domestic animals (e.g., by installing proper fencing) creates an environment ripe for conflicts with wildlife. The coalition said in most cases problems with wolves can be avoided if farmers and ranchers take appropriate steps to safeguard their animals and property.
"Whenever possible, state and federal officials should employ non-lethal methods when dealing with wolves. People with livestock must also take responsible steps to minimize setting up wolf/livestock encounters," said Stevensville resident Susan Eakins, who runs the New Dawn Montana Farm.
The coalition said MFWP and Wildlife Services should shift away from aggressive lethal responses to alleged wolf encounters toward strengthening protections for the species and providing education and technical assistance to farmers, ranchers and the public to help prevent conflicts.
In addition, the coalition said that recent media reports had left unanswered a number of critical questions about the agencies' actions. They called on MFWP and Wildlife Services to disclose information to the public about the killing of the wolves.
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Rachel wrote on Dec 10, 2008 1:32 AM:
" This is the most absurd article that I have ever read in my life. I want to know exactly what fence is "wolf" proof. Funny how this is an animal in peril, when they were delisted until a tree hugging Supreme Court Justice reversed the delisting. I wish all of you would go back to where you came from and leave the real Montanas alone in dealing with our own problems. "
Susie wrote on Dec 10, 2008 4:47 PM:
" Wiping out an entire wolf pack, pups included (two litters), for unsecured livestock is outrageous.
For those who are opting to send all us "tree-hugging intruders" back to where we came from, I doubt you were here before the wolves, in which case we should send you back, too. Does it come down to who was here first, or maybe exercising a little tolerance?
As an aside I see the "real Montanas" don't know how to spell. Maybe they should go to where I came from and get a little education - and perhaps even learn a little compassion along the way. "
For those who are opting to send all us "tree-hugging intruders" back to where we came from, I doubt you were here before the wolves, in which case we should send you back, too. Does it come down to who was here first, or maybe exercising a little tolerance?
As an aside I see the "real Montanas" don't know how to spell. Maybe they should go to where I came from and get a little education - and perhaps even learn a little compassion along the way. "
Fred wrote on Dec 14, 2008 12:03 AM:
" Brian, you need to think of what you mean by "current ecosystem". Is that this week, this year, this century, or what. In the recent years, the "current ecosystem" could inlcude lots of DDT or poisen to eliminate life forms and animals that some people find objectionable.
"Current ecosystem" is not meaningful. "
"Current ecosystem" is not meaningful. "
Brian wrote on Dec 9, 2008 4:17 PM: