Wolves, Ranchers, and Utah by Bytemite

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Wolves, Ranchers, and Utah

POSTED BY: BYTEMITE
UPDATED: Tuesday, February 9, 2010 13:10
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Tuesday, February 9, 2010 6:59 AM

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_14359592?source=rss

I can't even properly express how sad this makes me.

I've loved wolves since I was a kid. I've never seen one outside of a zoo, even sadder I've never heard one, and now maybe I never will.

They say you don't know what you're missing until you reach out to touch it, and you can't see how beautiful something is until it steps back into the light. But I do, I do know what I'm missing. Piece by piece, what I love about the west is being lost and forgotten. It's all being tamed.

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Tuesday, February 9, 2010 7:25 AM

MINCINGBEAST

"A bill seeking to keep wolves out of Utah advanced Monday when a House committee passed it unanimously."

The removal of a species from its natural habitat seems to have bipartisan support; good to see that there are some (ghastly) things people in Utah can agree on.

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Tuesday, February 9, 2010 7:37 AM

BYTEMITE

Bipartisan? No no, those are Blue Dog Democrats. They're pretty much Republicans.

Our legislature is the worst possible super majority you can imagine. They know that none of them will ever be voted out by their constituents, so basically developers approach congressmen with investment opportunities and money, and congressmen pass the bills off as their own pet projects. Common sense and ethics doesn't even enter the equation.

This particular bill actually probably doesn't have any money behind it, it's just an attempt to pander to the base. They'll frame it as a state self-right to govern versus a national government thing. For me, state versus government doesn't even enter into it. It just seems like cruelty to me, cruelty based on fear and ignorance.

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Tuesday, February 9, 2010 8:27 AM

GEEZER

Keep the Shiny side up

Quote:
Originally posted by Bytemite:
I've loved wolves since I was a kid. I've never seen one outside of a zoo, even sadder I've never heard one, and now maybe I never will.

Go to Yellowstone Park and you can see and hear plenty, especially in winter, if you have the patience. It's a great place to see all sorts of wildlife in a large ecosystem where the predators can hunt their natural prey without destroying folks sheep and cattle.

"Keep the Shiny side up"

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Tuesday, February 9, 2010 8:30 AM

NIKI2

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

Don't give up hope, Byte; this has been going on forever, and will continue to. There are dedicated people, bear in mind, who will keep trying to re-introduce them forever. I sponsor one in an organization that is saving the Mexican Red for reintroduction, and they do good work, plus I know many others. That it’s Idaho who has done this is particularly egregious, as Yellowstone borders on that state and it’s one of the biggest re-introduction areas for wolves. The 2005 estimates put their numbers at 565 in Idaho, higher than in Yellowstone itself. If they’re hunted/eradicated, that will be a major blow to re-introduction efforts. They’re already legally hunted in Montana and Idaho.

Wikipedia says “estimated number of wolves in northwestern Montana (130), puts the total number of wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountains recovery area at over 1000 individuals. This includes approximately 134 packs (two or more wolves traveling together) and 71 breeding pairs (male and female that successfully rear a litter of at least two until Dec. 31). The recovery goal for the area was 30 breeding pairs total, and this number has been surpassed for some time.” Not sure how much credence I give this, but it’s the most recent figures I can find.

I'm like you; wolves, dolphins and river otters are my most beloved species, and I've met a few wolves kept (quietly) around here. They are magnificent animals (tho’ I strongly disapprove of “domesticating” them). I more abhor the cross-breeding that goes on, and people like Palin, who propagandize them to further their own blood lust.

Wolves and sheep and cattle ranchers have always been at odds, and the main reason they haven’t been reintroduced in places. It’s always been politics, not ecology; at least this is only a state measure—unfortunately, if it succeeds, the lobbyists might well try elsewhere, or even, gawd forbid, ntionally.

It’s been a battle immemorial, trust me, going back way before whales and seals. Any “competing” predator (as we see them) has to fight for its survival these days. We got mountain lions protected in CA when they were endangered; the ban has been lifted because their numbers are increased to the point of stability. It happens everywhere. The wolves from Yellowstone have made it to Oregon, where they’ve established a tentative foothold after a 60-year absence. They believe that a number of wild wolves were living in Northeast Oregon near the Wallowa Mountains and the Eagle Cap Wilderness area. In November 2009 two sets of pups were videotaped and confirmed. n 2008, after 80 years’ absence, they captured photographs of six wolf pups residing in the North Cascades in Washington—the Cascades Mountain Wolf is a subspecies of the Grey. Wolves are again protected by federal law in the entire state of Washington, at least temporarily while a review is under way.

Thank gawd Yellowstone is in Utah, because one of the most difficult yet successful reintroduction programs is there, and it would be wiped out if Idaho had its way. In Yellowstone, they’ve gone through three phases: “the Extirpation phase (1872–1926); the Absence phase (1926–1995); and the Re-introduction phase (1995–present). Each phase of this history chronicles different ecological impacts on the park (and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem), evolving scientific and cultural understanding (or biases) of the Gray Wolf, and evolving government and park administration attitudes and programs surrounding the Gray Wolf and its relationship to the park's purpose.” They’re a vital part of the ecosystem; enough people recognize this to keep on fighting for their reintroduction.

Predators, as everyone here probably knows, are vital to a healthy population and health of the land. Durng the time they were absent, Yellowstone declined greatly: “Once the wolves were gone the elk began to take over. Over the next few years conditions of Yellowstone National Park declined drastically. A team of scientists visiting Yellowstone in 1929 and 1933 reported, “The range was in deplorable conditions when we first saw it, and its deterioration has been progressing steadily since then.” By this time many biologists were worried about eroding land and plants dying off. The elk were multiplying inside the park and the trees just couldn't take it. The park service started trapping and moving the elk and when that was not effective, killing them. On and off for over 30 years, the killing of Yellowstone's elk continued. This method helped the land from worsening, but didn't improve the conditions. At times people would mention bringing wolves back to Yellowstone to help control the elk population. The people who managed Yellowstone were not eager to bring back wolves, especially after having been so successful at ridding the park of them. They continued to kill elk. In the late 60s local hunters began to complain to their congressmen that there were too few elk and the congressmen threatened to stop funding Yellowstone. In response to this, the of killing the elk was given up and the population of the elk increased exponentially. With the rapid increase in the number of elk, the condition of the land went quickly downhill. The woodlands were literally munched into oblivion. The destruction of the landscape affected many other animals. With the wolves gone the population of coyotes increased dramatically, which led to an extreme decrease in the number of pronghorn antelope. However, the increase in the elk population caused the most profound change in the ecosystem of Yellowstone after the wolves were gone.”

We’re so stupid about ecological balance, it took a long time to convince TPTB to bring the wolves back. It’s been a battle ever since with the ranchers, but the wolves are gaining through protection. Rre-introduction began in 1995, over objections from some surprising sources. The Sierra Club and National Audubon Society opposed the re-introduction plan on the grounds that Experimental populations were not protected enough once the wolves were outside the park. The Farm Bureau's of Idaho, Wyoming and Montana opposed the plan on the basis that the wrong subspecies of wolf—Canis lupus occidentalis (Mackenzie Valley Wolf (Canada)) instead of Canis lupus irremotus (Northern Rocky Mountain Gray Wolf) was selected for reintroduction. The latter was obviously a ploy by the rancher lobbyists, but it failed and they were re-introduced in 1995. It’s still a battle, and will remain one, and Idaho’s actions are reprehensible as they will effect any wolves straying from the protected areas—tho’ as I mentioned, they’re already legally hunted in Idaho and Montana, so any straying from the protected Yellowstone area are in danger.

They have, by the way, reduced the elk population and caused them to move into more heavily-wooded areas, and they decreased the coyote population dramatically. The whole thing is still being researched and we won’t know the end for a long time, but trust me; the wolves are expanding from Yellowstone and there’s a lot to be hopeful about. We’ve only had coyotes reappear in this area for a few years now, and if things keep going the way they are, there’s a good chance the wolves will make it down here eventually. One can only hope, as wolves, unlike the moutain lions which re-introduced themselves here years ago, don’t attack humans.

Wolves were, by the way, the first species on the Endangered Species list. Since their re-introduction to Yellowstone, estimates are that they have gone from three packs of 21 wolves from Canada, with 9 pups surviving, to twelve packs of 124 wolves, with 22 pups surviving in 2008 (tho’ some numbers put them at 325 wolves). It will always be a battle; we will never give up. If Sarah leaves us enough to work with!

So it’s a sad development, definitely, but don’t give up hope! We know about Idaho anyway—my husband was born there, moved here to go to college, and what he has to say about that state and its politics now, well, I won’t repeat it here. There; everything you wanted to know and lots more about wolves in the States. I know there are other areas where they’re being re-introduced, but Yellowstone is the only one I know much about. New Mexico is trying to re-introduce the Mexican Grey Wolf; in Arizona they’ve re-introduced them in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest (today, there may be up to 50 wild Mexican wolves in Arizona and New Mexico); Red Wolves were re-introduced In North Carolina/Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but it doesn’t look like any of those survived (some wolves died from drinking automobile anti-freeze, for example, and there have been no sightings since the last 1990s). They’re re-evaluating whether to re-introduce a larger number or not, or even re-introduce at all.

The key to re-introduction is tourism, unquestionably; repair of habitat by an overabundance of predator species is valid, but doesn't get as much traction. We helped save the sea otters down in Monterey by making them a whole tourist industry unto themselves; it changed public opinion toward fishermen who shot them, and they flourished as a result. Certainly they're still highly endangered, being the only group on the American West Coast and living in such a populace area, but it's the best we could do and did save them from complete annihilation.

In the rest of the world, efforts continue too. It’s being advocated in Denmark, Germany, Italy and Scotland, and there’s a movement in England currently. Where there’s life, there’s hope; tho’ environment going the way it is, the wolves aren’t the only ones facing extinction!

Oops, was writing this while you posted again. You live in Idaho? Apologies for the flat statement, I should amend it to say your POLITICIANS. You have some of the most gorgeous land I've ever seen in the North, especially around Coeur d'Alene; we drove through once on our way to Glacier and I was impressed. The South, however, does nothing for me; Jim's family lived in Burley and we visited frequently. Yuck.

Must be hard living where you do, given your political leanings, yes? I won't even go INTO the Mormons; my prejudice is too strong. More power to you; someday, maybe the politics in Idaho will change. Hey, I can dream!

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Tuesday, February 9, 2010 8:32 AM

BYTEMITE

You've actually heard some up in Yellowstone? I went up there a couple years ago hoping I might, did a lot of hiking and star gazing, but I wasn't lucky enough.

I saw a bear, though. A quarter of a mile away. Which actually was probably a good thing, I heard some rangers saying there was a bear in that area that liked to hassle people and they were probably going to have to put him down. Seems to have been the same one.

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Tuesday, February 9, 2010 8:38 AM

NIKI2

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

Now BEARS are another matter, for me!! They're not predictable and they're dangerous. I was scared to wander too far from camp in Glacier, and I hope never to see one, even from afar! I'm a woos when it comes to bears.

But I'm not surprised you heard them in Yellowstone, Geezer, they're still fighting for survival there, despite that huge fire and all the other things they face.

I'm sorry you never got to see one or, better yet, meet one, Byte. They're magnificent. One couple we met (back when we were seriously into environmentalism and had the pizza parlor) had a pair...the female was too shy with humans, but the male had no problem at all. Jim's son Jeff was with us, and only about 10 at the time. The big male went straight for him (Jeff's never feared animals, he's a sharp kid and loves them), jumped up, easily put his paws on Jeff's shoulders and knocked him over, smothering him with kisses.

One of the reasons I love huskies is the close relationship--we see lots of wolf attributes in Tashi's behaviors, and when we watch documentaries on wolves always laugh when we see them doing things Tashi does. Special critters.

But in the wild, no, I've never been so blessed either.

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Tuesday, February 9, 2010 8:49 AM

BYTEMITE

I live in Utah, actually, but I used to live in Idaho. I think both states are beautiful country, no matter where you are. But then I have a strange liking for wind blown grass plains scattered with sagebrush and desolate desert juniper amid colourful sandstone as I do for the lush forests you see in the mountains of both states.

I read a fascinating story recently about attempts to recover a natural ecosystem in Europe. The woodlands that apparently grow everywhere if left alone are supposedly the result of a loss of a number of wild species from the ecosystem, and many conservationists in Europe are starting to believe that Europe was more of a patchwork of meadows and marshes instead of all primeval forest.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oostvaardersplassen

No talk yet on wolves.

I've heard the Japanese are considering it, unlike us they actually like their wolves, but unfortunately they were still driven to extinction by development.

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Tuesday, February 9, 2010 8:58 AM

NIKI2

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

Oops, yeah, I forgot Japan{quote]The movement to reintroduce wolves into Japan as a non-governmental activity began in 1993. Public support has gradually increased but is still low. Under these conditions, public education is the primary, indispensable measure. This consists of annually publishing a wolf information magazine "Forest Call" (3,000 copies), maintaining an Internet home page, holding wolf meetings, conducting feasible study and wolf ecotours (domestic and abroad), and cooperating with the media in informing about wolves. Since 1996, wolf ecotours have been conducted every June in the Hulunber grassland and forests of the Da Higgang (Xingang) Ling mountains, China, to survey for wolf status, locating a source of wolves to reintroduce to Japan, and contributing to wolf conservation in the local community. Although wolves are killed as a nuisance animal, they have survived in a small number along the national border with Mongolia and Russia.

As for conditions in Japan, a further increase in wildlife populations, such as sika deer, wildboar, and Japanese monkeys, and of wildlife damages of forests, forestry, and crops will facilitate sympathy for wolf reintroduction. So too will the public's appreciation of, and promotion of, nature conservation. This year, some local agriculture and forestry cooperatives, and municipal corporations, asked to explore our idea, because of intolerable, non-controllable forestry and agricultural damages by wildlife. This situation will get worse in the near future. A recent similar movement in Korea will help our movement.

http://www.wolf.org/wolves/learn/scientific/symposium/abstracts/065.as
p

Great site, by the way, check it out. I found this, showing where wolves exist or may be introduced in the states:

It also has maps of the all the places wolves exist around the world...they're far from gone!

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Tuesday, February 9, 2010 9:19 AM

MINCINGBEAST

never had the good, or bad, fortune of seeing a wolf in the wild. don't believe there are any left where i'm from. lame. so long as i can't see a mastodon or smilodon, a wolf will have to do.

i met one in a parking lot, once. there was a wolf/hybrid rescue group that brought out their mascot to raise funds. dude was big, and majestic, but i think i may prefer lap dogs.

i have, however, had met coyotes in the wild. i think i could be persuaded to support coyote persecution, much to my discredit.

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Tuesday, February 9, 2010 9:20 AM

BYTEMITE

You know, now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure I sponsored one of the original wolves they reintroduced to yellowstone. For about fifteen dollars, they let you "adopt" one, which helped pay for veterinary care and such and in return they sent you a picture.

I don't think I was more than ten, but I was so happy when I got that picture in the mail, and I always wanted to go up there and meet "my" wolf. Opportunity probably passed now.

Anyway, neat site, I'll check it out. :)

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Tuesday, February 9, 2010 9:23 AM

NIKI2

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

Quote:
i think i could be persuaded to support coyote persecution

Well, then, I'm glad you don't live around here. We were tickled when they came back, and once residents in those areas learned to keep their cats in at night (!), nobody minds. Up on the Divide, where we walk our dogs often, they're pretty regular at dawn and dusk, and they're doing a great job of bringing the rabbit population down!

Jim's seen them, real close too, and our husky went out and greeted a couple once or twice. Lots of sniffing and stuff, but that's all--of course he's a husky, not a lap dog, which they'd no doubt make off with in a second.

I've never seen one, just heard myriad people who have. Seen them up in the Sierras when I've visted Paula, but only from a distance. Wish I could, would be a thrill! Maybe someday...

Kewl Byte, that's what I was talking about. Good on you; it's folks like you who made it possible! Mine's down in the Southwest, as the Reds are seriously in danger there...they're captive-bred but wild, in hopes of re-introduction. http://www.wolfhaven.org/redWolf.php

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Tuesday, February 9, 2010 9:26 AM

GEEZER

Keep the Shiny side up

Quote:
Originally posted by Bytemite:
You've actually heard some up in Yellowstone? I went up there a couple years ago hoping I might, did a lot of hiking and star gazing, but I wasn't lucky enough.

Just seen them, on one trip, at a distance - which I consider to be the best way. A good spotting scope is a must.

"Keep the Shiny side up"

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Tuesday, February 9, 2010 9:31 AM

BYTEMITE

I've seen maybe three coyotes in my life. Man, for someone who spends so much time outdoors, my wildlife encounter list is pretty pathetic. Apparently I was once within 10 yards of a juvenile cougar, 'bout 4 feet long, but I didn't even SEE him. He up and jumped away when my hiking group pointed him out. In my defense, we were low on water and I was becoming concerned we wouldn't find the spring we were looking for.

As far as I'm aware, coyotes are a problem in that they kill small pets. Wolves might also, but they also tend to stay as far away from people as possible. They do kill sheep, but I've always been a little skeptical of the claims that they kill cattle. Moose, maybe, and elk, so theoretically I guess they could, probably more likely to go after calves, and even MORE likely to skip it altogether and hunt rabbits.

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Tuesday, February 9, 2010 9:38 AM

BYTEMITE

Hmm... Good tip. Thanks Geezer.

I was thinking of taking a trip up to Alaska this summer, I noticed on that site you posted Niki that there's a link for an "Alaskan wolf vacation." Maybe this is my chance to see one!

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Tuesday, February 9, 2010 9:43 AM

MINCINGBEAST

i bear no animus towards coyotes, in theory. in practice, they are horrible neighbors, and sometimes encroach on semi-urban areas.

i suppose i have just always taken them for granted. i grew up with them swarming over my backyard and the nearby parkway. i spent many summer nights listening to them "party" and yip, and they once ruined a picnic of mine.

i find it much easier to get behind wolf preservation, than, i dunno, coyotes or dingos.

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Tuesday, February 9, 2010 1:10 PM

NIKI2

Gettin' old, but still a hippie at heart...

To each their own, that's fair. It makes me smile and feel good when I hear them singing--I sleep out of doors, so I hear them frequently, and can figure out where they are from the voices. Once I heard them just up the road from us, it was a thrill.

There is so much open space and protected land in Marin, and it's a separate corridor, so development stops dead at a certain point until you get to the ocean, that there's plenty of room for all. They tend to be in the open hills and grasslands, and once people started keeping their pets in up at the Divide, they've caused no problems.

I wish wolves would move in! They'd be a huge help I think with our resident boar population. Non-native, rangers do a yearly hunt but it barely keeps the population in control--and talk about destructive!!!

Since coyotes generally hunt alone, unlike wolf packs, I doubt they're doing anything to lower the boar problem, unfortunately.

Most exciting thing I've ever had happen was a mamma bobcat facing us down. Jim in running shorts and tenny-runners, and all four dogs. We ended up taking the trail all the way down to the Coast and walking back up the road--it was no doubt because she had kits, because we see a lot of our bobcats, and they just keep their distance. Scared the pants off both of us, tho', lemme tell you...head down, deliberate slow steps toward us...brrrr!

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