Globally Green Living

A wolf was spotted in Oregon so it is a good sign that they are making a comeback there. They existed in the thirties but since then have been exterminated.

Wolves have been demonized, hated and eradicated all over the world. They do however deserve to exist and I have always found them fascinating. Their existence is often the sign of a healthy eco-system.

Thankfully, they are making a comeback in other areas as well. When too many appear, people begin “wolf management practices”. This is done because of concern for such things as dwindling caribou populations and farmers livestock losses.

Although I am not a rancher, I do see how lost livestock could tick you off. It’s hard enough to make money off ranching. It is tricky coming up with a plan to enable both to coexist. Some ranchers have been offered financial compensation for lost livestock. Prevention methods used with varying rates of success include fencing, guard dogs and people patrolling the land.

In 1992, the Yukon Wolf and Management Plan decided to reduce the wolf population because of diminishing moose and caribou populations. There were not that many to begin with but by 1993, they were supposed to kill another 50. There were only 34 wolves actually remaining at that time.

Here’s more on the confirmed report of a radio collared wolf in Oregon:

The following is a statement from Suzanne Stone, northern Rockies wolf conservation specialist for Defenders of Wildlife:

“This wolf comes from the Timberline pack, which we here in Boise know very well — it was named after our own Timberline High School. She made quite a journey and she has chosen excellent habitat in which to make her home. Northeast Oregon is one of the places where we always expected wolves would someday return.

“Unfortunately, this great news comes on the same day that the FWS has announced new rules that make it easier for wolves to be killed by private citizens. Those rules threaten the very population of Idaho wolves that provided Oregon’s new wolf, and could undermine the gray wolf’s ability to recolonize more of its historic habitat.

“We always hoped this day would come, and we’re thrilled that it is finally here. We look forward to working with biologists, tribal leaders and ranchers to ensure the future of wolves in Oregon and across the region.For more information, visit www.defenders.org. (BOISE, Idaho, Jan. 24/PRNewswire-USNewswire)

• If you’re interested in a hunter’s take on things, check out Hunting Sense’s Subsistence Hunting License Post. It involves a license that would be allowed to be used year round. It’s meant for people who rely on moose, deer and elk meat to feed their families.