Federal Sharpshooters to Start Aerial Wolf Killing in Idaho

[Neue Regel]

16. For some perspective (which seems to be lacking)...

http://www.sunjournal.com/news/local-sports/2012/01/29/lesson-be-learned-lolo/1147492

In 1989, according to Idaho wildlife officials, there was an elk population of 17,000. Biologist David Cadwallader, who manages wildlife for the Lolo region, estimates today's elk population at just 2,200. The elk numbers began to decline not long after U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service introduced wolves to Lolo. "It's very apparent that wolves are having a major impact on elk survival in the Lolo Zone," he said. "The predation and management plan talks about 50-75 wolves that are going to have to be removed to see any kind of impact."

Reports indicate further that hunting and trapping have not controlled the wolf numbers in Lolo, so state and federal officials have been taking out wolves with aerial gunners in hopes of saving Lolo's elk herd. Predictably, the wolf management initiative is being contested by animal rights advocates, who argue that it is habitat, not wolves, that is impacting the elk numbers.

The Idaho ranchers have seen the damage that big canine predators can do. Last year in Idaho, wolves attacked and killed a reported 430 livestock and 16 guard dogs. This statistic has more to do with large aggressive, opportunistic predators with strong jaws and sharp teeth than it does with loss of habitat. In a recent news story, the Los Angeles Times reported that "Idaho residents who assert that wolves have threatened residents and decimated other wildlife say the agency should make no apologies. 'We want the these wolves dead,'" said Ron Gillett of the Idaho Anti-Wolf Coalition in Stanley.

The Idaho sportsmen's association faults state and federal wildlife officials for being a day late and a dollar short. They are critical of officials for intervening too late in trying to save the elk and moose of the Lolo region. At least in Idaho wildlife officials are finally acknowledging that, when it comes to elk survival, wolves are part of the problem. And direct, overt action is being taken this winter to reduce wolf numbers in the Lolo region.


Emphasis added was mine. There's a bit more at the link