Save the wolves!

[Octavusprime]

The US Fish and Wildlife service is trying to take the grey wolf off of the endangered species list. Just as the wolf population begins to finally get it it's numbers back. Wolves at one point circled the globe but man has taken out a hit on the poor creatures. To think mans best friend was a once a wolf and now they are treated with such disrespect.

The wolf plays a vital role in the health of the entire ecosystem. With it's social nature it is important that they live in packs. Killing off a few members of that pack will drastically reduce their chances for survival. We cannot allow another witch hunt to be called on the mighty wolf.

http://www.takepart.com/article/2013/11/06/dont-remove-gray-wolves-from-endangered-species-list

Michigan to open limited hunting of wolves:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/11/15/mich-prepares-for-first-wolf-hunt/3561529/

Recently a wolf was spotted in California for the first time in 80 years! (2011)

http://www.care2.com/causes/first-gray-wolf-in-80-years-spotted-in-california.html

Support the wolves! Please sign the petition at the very least. Or Donate if you feel strongly enough. Thanks for listening!

https://secure.defenders.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2621

[Latti]

I too realize the importance of wolves in our ecosystems, but I also understand the rancher's view of wolves. Ranchers are like most other Americans in our desire for modern conviencies and toys which results in debt and a small margin between success and failure.

Since wolves are opportunistic, a lamb or calf is much easier pray than wild animals; so, wolves take the easiest pray which creates the conflict between man and wolf.

As a child, I had a fear of wolves due to the stories that my elders told of the old days when wolves took small children and even adults that were caught alone without a weapon. Maybe most of those stories were not true, but even domestic dogs will sometimes kill a small child. So, there is a genuine fear of wolves in our ranching culture.

If wolves would stay in National Parks then we would have very little conflict, but when a pack becomes successful, they grow in number and expand their territories outside of protected boundries and ranchers feel that they have a right to protect their livestock.

[Octavusprime]

I can understand your sentiment. We all must make a living. There must be a balance struck. If anything the Department of fish and wildlife should do a periodic culling. This could be done in highly populated areas. Expecting the public to kill only those infringing on their land is not realistic. We would have sport hunters just itching to kill a wolf, a trophy that hasn't been allowed in a very long time...

For those who choose to live in wolf territory there is a price to be paid unfortunately. Deterrents such as fences could be used to a limited extent. Better yet get a team of dogs like the Tibetan Mastiff to guard your flock.


As a flock guardian dog in Tibet and in the West, it is capable of confronting predators the size of wolves and leopards, although it uses all the usual livestock guardian tactics (e.g., barking, scent-marking perimeters) to warn them away and avoid direct confrontations. As a socialized, more domestic dog, it can thrive in a spacious, fenced yard with a canine companion, but it is generally not an appropriate dog for apartment living. The Western-bred dogs are generally more easy-going, although somewhat aloof with strangers coming to the home. Through hundreds of years of selective breeding for a protective flock and family guardian, the breed has been prized for being a nocturnal sentry, keeping would-be predators and intruders at bay, barking at sounds throughout the night. Leaving a Tibetan Mastiff outside all night with neighbors nearby is not recommended. They often sleep during the day to be more active, alert and aware at night.

Like all flock guardian breeds, they are intelligent and stubborn to a fault, so obedience training is recommended (although only mildly successful with some individuals) since this is a strong-willed, powerful breed. Unless they are to be used exclusively as livestock guardians, socialization is also critical with this breed because of their reserved nature with strangers and guardian instincts. They are excellent family dogs—for the right family. Owners must understand canine psychology and be willing and able to assume the primary leadership position. Lack of consistent, rational discipline can result in the creation of dangerous, unpredictable dogs (although this is true of virtually every dog breed). The protectiveness of Tibetan Mastiffs requires alertness and planning by the owner in order to avoid mishaps when the dog is simply performing as a guardian. The breed is not recommended for novice dog owners.

My worry is that too many people put fear and greed above the what is right. Which means they will hunt and kill them all. Justified that in their hearts that they are vicious creatures and a danger to their livelihood.