However, somewhere between a “controlled experiment” and today these wolves were left to proliferate and migrate across the West. The federal Fish and Wildlife estimate there are approximately 1,700 now in the Rocky Mountain states.
On April 15, 2011, Congress stripped the wolf protection from the Federal Endangered Species List in the Rocky Mountain and Great Lakes states and prohibited any further judicial intervention. Wyoming is still pending. With limited funding those states are left to manage the unintended consequences of the over population of the gray wolves. Currently, the gray wolf has federal protected ESA status in the remaining states which includes California.
It is difficult to quantify the losses sustained by ranchers through the years in the Rocky Mountain states, where these wolves had been protected under Federal ESA. You can only imagine the frustration felt by livestock owners who know their livestock are being cruelly attacked but they are prevented from protecting their property and livelihood by draconian federal and state laws.
Since re-introduction of the Canadian gray wolf, the money spent by the Federal Fish and Wildlife for study and management is reported to be well over $44 million. Over the years this “Rocky Mountain wolf saga” developed into sensationalized side-line entertainment for millions world wide. Environmental groups engaged in a form of “eco-profiteering” from the “wolf industry” as well as natural resources, fish and water and have been the recipients of countless billions of dollars. By engaging in the limited field of ESA litigation, large eco groups have become efficient in suing the Federal Government and in cases where they have prevailed, it is reported they recovered upwards of $800 per hour in legal fees from the American tax payers. Make no mistake this has been “big business.”
Exploiting United States natural resources, fish and wildlife for profit in this manner is indefensible.
Are there alternatives to accepting introduction into California? Absolutely.
Tell the Federal Fish and Wildlife to come and pick up their lone wolf. The Canadian gray wolf was never native to this region. How can anything be endangered when it didn’t exist here?
Because gray wolves are extinct in California, they cannot be in danger of extinction. By definition they are not a listable species under the California ESA as endangered. The gray wolf already has provided protection in California through the Federal Endangered Species Act.
How can the gray wolf be endangered if their numbers are increasing so much that packs are growing and migrating? Doesn’t fit the criteria for an animal that should be listed to the California Endangered Act to me. Besides, we don’t want your “wolf industry” road show here in Modoc County.
Please take time to write a letter with your comments or concerns regarding the petition that is currently being evaluated by the California Fish and Game for listing the gray wolf as endangered and protected.
Please remember, if we do not stand up for rural California, no one will.
