BigHornRam
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Montanans, wildlife groups condemn state, feds for wolf pack slaughter
Posted on Dec. 9
MISSOULA - A coalition of Montana residents and wildlife protection organizations today condemned the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department and the federal Wildlife Services for killing an entire wolf pack near Kalispell.
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.
“Gunning down an entire pack of wolves - a species that is supposed to be protected under the Endangered Species Act - borders on criminal. We are outraged by this senseless slaughter of one of Nature's most majestic animals,” said Jerry Black of Wildlife Watchers in Missoula.
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.
Posted on Dec. 9
MISSOULA - A coalition of Montana residents and wildlife protection organizations today condemned the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department and the federal Wildlife Services for killing an entire wolf pack near Kalispell.
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.
“Gunning down an entire pack of wolves - a species that is supposed to be protected under the Endangered Species Act - borders on criminal. We are outraged by this senseless slaughter of one of Nature's most majestic animals,” said Jerry Black of Wildlife Watchers in Missoula.
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.
