Wolf Weekly Wrap-up

While Montanans were taking to the airwaves last week to voice their support for wolf recovery, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar was busy cutting backroom deals to strip federal protections for wolves across the Rockies. Though no formal proposals have yet to surface, insider reports indicate that the Obama administration is willing to support legislation that would allow hundreds of wolves to be killed across the region and make it nearly impossible to protect wolves in the future.

A collared gray wolf in the backcountry of Yellowstone National Park. Photo courtesy of William C. Campbell/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Fortunately, while wolves may have few friends in Washington, the New York Times published a brilliant editorial highlighting the threats to wolves and what’s needed to return management authority to the states:

“What’s needed is a stronger, long-term federal management plan that provides for a sustainable number of wolves across their entire range. If the states can guarantee that number, then let them manage their wolves. If they can’t, then federal protections must remain.”

In the region, there was plenty of good news that should help dispel lingering rumors about the danger that wolves pose to both elk and livestock. The latest reports indicate that depredations in both Idaho and Wyoming are down significantly since last year, even while wolf populations continue to grow. Meanwhile hunting reports from Montana Division of Fish, Wildlife and Parks show that elk harvest was up this year above the six-year average. So much for wolves wiping out all those game herds.