First of all, in case you missed it…Oregon Public Broadcasting’s half hour special “Living with Wolves” is now available online (watch the full segment above). It features Defenders’ co-existence work (hint: jump to minute 20) to help protect Oregon’s new pioneers – the first wolves to return to the state since their eradication in the 1930s. Join the follow-up conversation on OPB’s Ecotrope blog.
Wyoming: one step forward, two steps back
Just when wolf talks in Wyoming were starting to show promise, a U.S. District Court in Cheyenne ruled that the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service was wrong to reject the state’s wolf management plan. Because federal protections were restored in August, the decision will not have an immediate effect. But if wolves are delisted again, it could allow wolves to be shot on sight in nearly 90 percent of the state. Wyoming’s current plan only requires the state to maintain 7 breeding pairs outside of Yellowstone, putting the vast majority of the state’s estimated 320 wolves in immediate danger of being killed once federal protections are removed.
Two down, more to come in Montana
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering $2,500 for information regarding the illegal killing of two wolves. Both carcasses were found with bullet wounds on Nov. 6 along two different creeks in the Flathead Valley of northwestern Montana. Some 200 miles to the south in the Bitterroot Valley, about a dozen wolves are slated to be removed for their impact on elk herds. However, following a meeting last night of Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, it appears the plan may not be implemented for at least six months while it undergoes further environmental review.
Voices of calm and reason from across the country
In the face of much animosity, wolf supporters from Alaska to Minnesota made a strong showing this week with several compelling essays, letters and op-eds. Award-winning author and Minnesota native Marty Essen explores why wolves in Montana are maligned so much more than in his home state, where there are six times as many wolves in half the space. Collette Giese with the Center for Biological Diversity points out that Minnesota’s wolves continue to face significant threats, even as the Fish & Wildlife Service considers lifting federal protections. Tim Lydon reflects on a close encounter with a wolf up in Alaska that serves as “a reminder of our connection with Earth’s community of life.” Meanwhile, our own wolf expert Suzanne Stone was interviewed on The Organic View—a radio show that explores the latest environmental topics. You can listen to the full podcast here.
And finally, a big thanks to blogger Pamela Black at change.org for helping to spread the word about Defenders’ efforts to protect wolves!
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