Idaho Wolf Harvest Leaves Some Howling

Jamie Rappaport Clark stands up for wolves.  Should you?

Jamie Rappaport Clark

One of America’s iconic wilderness areas is quickly becoming a battlefield for the lives of wolves.

In a chilling forecast of what could happen elsewhere if federal protections are stripped and anti-wolf politicians reign over wolf management, Idaho has released their latest plan: To kill 60 percent of wolves in the pristine Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness in an effort to increase elk populations for trophy hunting.

Idaho has become ground zero in the war against wolves. We’re fighting back with all we’ve got. Our lawyers are continuing to fight this matter in federal court to make sure that this sort of outrageous abuse never happens again. Our staff is organizing our activists and other pro-wolf forces, both inside Idaho – home to a majority of western gray wolves – and nationwide.

Associated Press

Lawmakers in Idaho are latching onto wolves as a scapegoat to pass irresponsible legislation. Politicians are trading the lives of wolves for political votes. With a seemingly endless supply of anti-wolf propaganda, Idaho state officials are working to kill as many wolves as possible in their state.

The Frank Church – River of No Return Wilderness is the largest forested wilderness in the lower 48 states.  One of our country’s last wild and untouched expanses, the beauty of this national treasure is embodied by the tranquility of the landscape and the wildness of its animal inhabitants. If America’s wolves can’t roam safely in one of the most remote wilderness areas in the Lower 48 – where can they?

By issuing a kill order on 60 percent of wolves living in the wilderness, Idaho is solidifying itself as a gruesome cautionary tale of what happens when states with anti-wolf politicians take over “wildlife management.”

A professional hunter was brought in and was successful in eliminating two packs of wolves in the wilderness area.  Idaho Department of Fish and Game spokesman Mike Keckler said that the hunter killed eight wolves with traps and a ninth by hunting.

Nearly twenty years ago, the first reintroduced wolf in America stepped out onto Idaho soil. What once held such promise for these remarkable creatures has now become the site of an all-out war for their lives.

Defenders of Wildlife is a national, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities.

Defenders of Wildlife can be contacted at:
1130 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036