Wolves Of Yellowstone Spur Love And Hate

Tourists Adore Them, But Not All Area Residents Want Them Around

(CBS)  On any given morning in Yellowstone National Park, you can find packs of tourists watching for packs of wolves, CBS News correspondent Tracy Smith reports.

What do they feel when looking at these wolves?

"My spirit just feels such a resonance with what I'm seeing," said wolf watcher Nancy Waring.

Wolf watchers bring more than high-powered scopes: They bring money to area businesses — about $35 million each year.

Seventy years ago, aggressive hunting and trapping had all but wiped out the wolves in Yellowstone. But the federal government decided that as predators, wolves were a key link in the park's food chain.

So starting in 1995, they brought the wolves back to Yellowstone. They released 41 in the park, housed in pens. Officials were hoping the wolves would have pups and eventually they would end up with about 100.

Now, a decade later, the pens are overgrown and there are 300 wolves in the Yellowstone area ... more than 1,300 in the three surrounding states.

There are so many wolves now, Washington is considering taking wolves in the Yellowstone area off the endangered species list, which means they'd be fair game for hunters.

But not all the area residents see the beauty of these creatures.

Rancher James Felton said he lost upwards of $40,000 last month when a wolf attacked one of his calves on his land near Yellowstone.

"I shouldn't have wolves on my ranch, chewing on my livestock. I didn't want 'em here in the first place. No other rancher did! Why are we taking the brunt?" he asked.

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Smith also discussed creative solutions to the wolf problem -- ways that might control the population without killing the wolves. To see that report from Smith, click here.

For more information on Range Riders, mentioned in Smith's report above, click here.

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Since 1995, wolves have killed more than 1,000 sheep and cattle in the Yellowstone area. Under current law, ranchers can shoot a wolf if they can prove their livestock was attacked. So far, more than 260 wolves have been killed, including one by Felton.

When asked, in his opinion, how many wolves should be in his area, Felton replied, "Zero."

Conservationists warn that taking wolves off the endangered list will once again turn predators into prey.

"They could very well end up on the endangered species list again, and we don't want to see that happen," Janelle Holden of Keystone Conservation said.

Early next year, the government will decide whether that's a real threat — or just crying wolf.

[memfisa]

i think wolves should be reintroduced to their natural habitat..... think of it this way...... would you like to be taken out of your home because you eat to much??????

[ksmi21]

(sorry-my grammar is horrible on the last post, i get in a hurry :P)

Speaking of livestock- My family has 4 horses and 2 ponies (not to mention an Australian shepherd of working stock (she watches the horses in the field), 4 other dogs and a barn cat) And i would be more than thrilled to have red wolves back in our area. We have such a massive rabbit, raccoon and deer population that it is insane!

[ksmi21]

There are a lot of dogs that do look like wolves, and its true that a lot of people couldn't tell the difference. Coyotes and wolves are very similar in appearance (other than size) and most wouldn't know the difference. I'm not calling myself a wolf expert by any means (I'm actually an art student), but I have done several hours (over several years) of research, written several papers and have read many books regarding wolf behavior and conservation of the wolf. These are animals that are vital to every part of the ecosystem, they can kill off old and sick animals and leave what they don't eat to scavengers which in turn do their job for the Earth; they are the key to a healthy ecosystem. I strive to advocate their conservation for this reason, they are vital to keep the 'circle of life' going in the American ecosystem...I can't put enough characters on this post to even explain! I understand where the ranchers are coming from, and if they want to shoot an pesky animal on their property that is their business...(Certain Organizations will relocate that pesky animal or put it down it humanely: some will reimburse the rancher for lost livestock if they make a valid claim)but certain hunters and ranchers shouldn't condemn an animal to mass 'executions' that they know little about, or do not care for their plight.

[nothappyatall]

ksmi21- Most people don't know the difference between a 'pitbull' and a Collie, and to most people who see an Alaska Malamute, Siberian Husky, or mixes of those can't tell the difference between them and real wolves, wolf hybrids, coy-dogs and so on.
So the person who sees a "wolf" in their back yard may in fact be seeing a lost Alaskan Malamute.

I had a lady at a dog show amazingly ask me if my obviously male, short coated large breed dog was a female Great Pyrenees, Pyrs are all WHITE, long coats and large, my dog looked as much like a Pyr as a cat does, yet this woman had no clue. People like that have me questioning the supposed sightings of 'wolves' and 'coyotes' in people's back yards and just how many of those were in fact just lost/abandoned dogs of a shepherd type breed or Malamute type mix.

How many of those are also shot by ranchers as 'wolves' too?

[nothappyatall]

ksmi21 good post, the one thing I have an issue with is the fact that many endangered species were revived back using a very limited number of breeding animals and this is not good- one genetic flaw in one animal is then spread out in large numbers because of the high inbreeding factor.

Just as in purebred dog breeding, you will find faults and defects appear as dominant and recessive traits, some may be desirable- solid black coats in Newfoundland dogs, good temperament, and others not desirable- hip dysplasia, heart defects, viciousness in dogs.
This problem is true with nearly every animal- including rare dog breeds whose numbers declined to near extinction and then breeding revived the numbers back using a handful of breeding stock. It can be a minefield. The key is not to let the numbers fall to near extinction to begin with, but unfortunately we can only work with what we have and hope for best.

There are breeds of dogs that have so few numbers they would be on the endangered species list if they were not domestic dogs. Shar- Pei were once rare, Ibizan Hounds are fairly small in numbers.

[ksmi21]

Wolves (unlike coyotes) are naturally afraid of people. Coyotes kill dogs, knock over garbage cans (they are scavengers) and do not have the strong natural fear of humans and urban development like wolves do. Yes, a wolf will kill sheep, a wolf will kill a cow (they are predators). These animals are usually not found in urban development, now are they? Also, there is a wildlife foundation called DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE that REIMBURSES ranchers for their lost livestock! Humans all but obliterated wolves in America, and destroyed the food chain all over the country. Huge die-offs of elk, deer and other medium to large herbivores were felt in the winters for years, they simply had nothing to eat due to overpopulation. Since the localized reintroduction of wolves these die-offs have not happened. The ecosystem is healthier, scavengers (like bears, fox and certain eagles) have wolf carcasses to eat now. Everything works in balance, it is a chain.
The area I am from originally was populated by the Red Wolf. The Red Wolf has been forced to the brink of extinction, they are only existent in captive breeding programs due to huge governmentally funded wolf slaughters in the past. Since the Red Wolf has not lived here in over 70 or 80 years, we have a massive overpopulation of rabbits and deer. I am not your 'urban romantic'. I live in Kentucky, and in a VERY 'country' woodland area. I have family members and friends that have been almost killed when a deer plunged through their windshield.

[nothappyatall]

That the best you have to throw at me jimmyc1955?
Come on, I want to hear you say how meat packers are just misunderstood and that they are really nice family guys if ONLY we animal lovers could 'understand'
Or maybe you could do the right winger bent on this and cite the bibull says you can brutally slaughter animals.

Or, maybe you can try the ever popular, efforvescent one claiming the videos are all faked and staged!

Wonder how little ole powerful you would stand up in a one on one hand to paws match with a wild animal in the woods with just what's left of your wits and brain and your two fists- NO gun, NO scope, NO weapons, NO vehicle, just you and your birthday suit against a black bear, lion, mountain line etc. You wouldn't last ten minutes- so more for the superior species!

[nothappyatall]

Note, this involves a little WORK and a little cost, but compared to the millions WE spend for wiping out wildlife for YOUR livestock it's time YOU pay the bill for your own protection;

Guard Dogs for Predator Control

by Helen A. Swartz, Ph.D.
State Sheep, Goat & Small Livestock Specialist

Sheep producers losing lambs to predators or dogs find themselves seeking help to control or eliminate these losses. Several options are available to producers. Various kinds of electric and non-electric fences, traps to catch the predators, scare devices, cultural methods of penning sheep such as housing at night, using vapor lights, and guardian dogs are options quite successful in decreasing losses for many sheep producers.
Guardian dogs are receiving a lot of attention for controlling predators. Five years of research with 60 livestock guardian dogs at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois, Idaho, concluded that the success rate of using guard dogs was over 60% when trained properly.
The dog may be one of several breeds or a mixture of breeds. The most common breeds of guard dogs in the U.S. are the Great Pyrenees, Komondor, Anatolian Shepherd, Akbash Dog, Maremma, Kuvasz, and Sharplaninac. These dogs generally command good prices, however, the loss of a few lambs will soon pay for one.

Guard dogs have become very effective in controlling predators and dogs on many Missouri sheep farms. Guard dogs are not 100% effective; there is variation across and within breeds of dogs.

[nothappyatall]

And here daddy-o is the perfect sollution for ranchers too lazy tolook after their free roaming livestock and too cheap to fence their lands;

Livestock Guarding Dogs
A livestock guarding dog is one that generally stays with sheep without harming them and aggressively repels predators. The dog chooses to remain with sheep ...

www.nal.usda.gov/awic/companimals/guarddogs/guarddogs.htm

Livestock Guarding Dogs
This article first appeared in Sheep magazine and in the Dairy Goat Journal in 1995. Giving advice for using livestock guarding dogs against predators.
people.unt.edu/tlt0002/livest.htm

Livestock Guardian Dogs
As working dogs, Livestock Guardian Dogs (LGDs) were domesticated to protect livestock from predators. Independent, protective, gentle towards their ...
www.gotpetsonline.com/pictures/gallery/dogs/livestock-guardian-dogs/

Livestock Guard Dogs, Llamas and Donkeys
Guard dogs are an effective method to reduce predation on livestock. [Publication by Colorado State University Cooperative Extension.]
www.ext.colostate.edu/PUBS/LIVESTK/01218.html

[nothappyatall]

If you are in jail for one year, kiss your house and ranching business goodbye, kind of hard to pay bills and earn income from inside a jail cell, especially after paying a $250,000 fine by having them seized and sold to the highest bidders to pay it!

[nothappyatall]

As far as the law goes, try these numbers on for size daddy-o;

Any act of knowingly %u201Ctaking%u201D (which includes harming, wounding, or killing) an endangered species is also subject to the same penalty- the penalties for these violations can be a maximum fine of up to $50,000 or imprisonment for one year, or both, and civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation, may be assessed. Also note that as your violation history accumulates, you are subject to larger fines and penalties.
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The U.S. government has enacted numerous laws that have been put in place to protect our natural resources. Listed below are the laws of the United States regarding wildlife and describes the laws, including the penalties involved for those breaking them. Note that the fines for breaking these laws are additive.

On migratory birds;

Penalties:
Individuals or organizations may be fined up to $5,000 and $10,000 respectively, and may face up to six months imprisonment for misdemeanor violations of the Act. Felony violations may result in fines of up to $250,000 for individuals, $500,000 for organizations, and up to two years imprisonment.

Taking (includes harassing, harming, pursuing, hunting, shooting, wounding, trapping, killing, capturing, or collecting)

On Bald eagles;

Misdemeanor violations may result in fines of up to $100,000 for individuals and $200,000 for organizations and one year's imprisonment. Fines of up to $250,000 and $500,000 may result from felony violations.

[nothappyatall]

Another 'dangerous' wild coyote, caught in NYC, note where it says

"the coyote has been spotted by many but harmed no one"

Elusive Coyote Is Captured in Central Park

March 22, 2006

A coyote roaming through Central Park today got a taste of what it's like to lead the police on a chase in New York City, where the tabloid media and countless other reporters and photographers will chase anything that gives chase.
The coyote, which was first spotted in the park late on Sunday, was finally captured at about 10 this morning near Belvedere Castle, after an officer with the New York City Police Department's Emergency Service Unit shot it in the rear with a tranquilizer dart.

A 35-pound male that had been dubbed "Hal" by some police officers and reporters because it was first spotted near the Hallett Nature Sanctuary in the park's southeast corner, the coyote appeared healthy when it was captured, according to a city veterinarian who examined it. Hal will be taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center in upstate New York, officials said.

During its several-day adventure in Central Park, the coyote has been spotted by many but harmed no one, and it had attracted quite a following from a motley crowd that tailed him through New York City's otherwise bucolic oasis.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/22/nyregion/22cnd-coyote.html?ex=1185076800&en=0822070a6acd1ab4&ei=507

[nothappyatall]

The 'dangerous' wildlife such as this coyote here is the story. Note that it only took local ANIMAL CONTROL officers to capture the coyote with a dog-catch pole. Note what Ray the employee says about the 'dangerous' wild trapped animal cornered in their restaurant;

A coyote that wandered into a Loop sandwich shop and took a seat in the beverage cooler will be set free today.

Animal control took the coyote away about 40 minutes later. The coyote will be released at the Flint Creek Wildlife Rehab Center near Barrington, a large, fenced-in area where he and other transplanted urban coyotes can roam the limited prairie -- without benefit of a nearby Quiznos.

Of course, it's a bit odd that a coyote would seek refuge in a Quiznos sandwich, but that's what Adrian did, strolling east on Adams in the post-lunch crowd. He walked in the front door that had been propped open because of the warm weather. He settled into the beverage cooler after unsuccessfully trying to vault the counter.

"It did not growl. It did not make any sounds. It just tried to get in. Apparently it was scared and tried to shelter itself," said Ray Zavalas, Quiznos employee.

For 40 minutes, he sat there quite passive -- next to the Gatorade -- a sort of odd celebrity, as dozens of passersby came to see the coyote who came to dinner and take pictures with their cell phones.

Soon, Taurus Drake of Animal Control arrived with his catch pole

abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=local&id=5179979

[nothappyatall]

I dont 'rant' I tell the facts and back them up with references like those youtube clips

"I am asking you what should happen to wolves that have left Yellowstone "

That is for the US Fish and Game and wildlife SERVICE to deal with, that is what they are supposed to deal with- relocate is typically the course of action like the coyote who wandered into a restaurant in Chicago recently and hid in the cooler.

"If we are going to eliminate subsudies - why not the.."

National parks are there for everyone as a national resource, the superfund is a joke and a scam but when a company has gone out of business 40 years ago leaving behind grounds contaminated with mercury, lead, chemicals getting into the ground water, then how do you sue or bill them for the cleanup that is necessary?

"Subsudies support..."

EXCEPT subsidies that encourage and facilitate industry-wide documented animal abuse, cruelty and horrible deaths, I do not want my tax monies involved in that

"Do you believe a fetus is a child? Where... "

No, a fetus is a collection of cells until it is born and can survive without heroic machinery/lifesupport, I am pro-abortion rights for the mother, it is HER body and decision and not that of ANY man
I stick up for animals who don't have a voice or say in the matter.

" I just don't believe you or anybody has the right to dictate.."

The laws on the books say so, try shooting a bald Eagle or other protected species and see how fast you go to jail and are fined.

[jimmyc1955]

Newster1 - while you can rant all you want (about something off topic of my points and to be honest a little hysterically I think) about meat production in America - I am asking you what should happen to wolves that have left Yellowstone park and are in communities of people.

If we are going to eliminate subsudies - why not the ones the hold the national parks together? What about the superfund cleanup money? How about the irrational subsidies for ethanol that are driving prices for all foods up? Maybe that would eliminate the riots in Mexico from the lack of corn to make tortillas?

Subsudies support all forms of industries that benefit the general population. Frankly - your an extremist - and like most - irrational, unrealistic and determined to make everybody behave as you see fit?

Do you believe a fetus is a child? Where does your compassion for life extend and where does it end? At easy, convenient places? Places where you can feel good about yourself and still fit in with your friends who espouse the same comfortable, cocktail opinions as you? Or are you willing to protect all life?

BTW - I am in marketing in a major US city, been to ranches and farms but don't own one. I just don't believe you or anybody has the right to dictate that people have to live with a wild preditor lurking in their back yard if they don't want one - you seem to think you can say that have to.

[nothappyatall]

I can see more hidden camera expose's of meat plants and ranches exposing the abuse with names on the world wide web for all to see.
That one clip had 29,000 views in the short time since it was uploaded to youtube, there are hundreds more up there.

[nothappyatall]

Well jimmyc1955 I think what needs to happen then is removal of all subsidies, tax breaks and all the rest of the programs- including slaughtering wilflife using tax money to keep meat ranchers in profitable business.

Once all of that is removed, we'll just SEE how well the industry does when it foots the full real costs like non-subsidized industry does. We'll see if people are still willing to pay double per pound for your ecoli and hormone filled -filth packaged in nice little white trays at the supermarket.

It will help when you dudes are forced by regulations to eliminate hog and feed-lot stench, install expensive filtering systems, treat liquid WASTE as a hazardous material to be treated and disposed of such.

No more million gallon "lagoons" full of rotting liquid waste, and no more feed-lots with ground that is about 2 feet thick of cow chit polluting the streams, ground water and air.

Imagine what it will cost you to remove, treat and PROPERLY dispose of a million gallons of manure!

Thanks to this article and the responses here, I'm going to take a more proactive course of action along those lines. You want to slaughter animals for meat, fine, you will begin to pay for the REAL unsubsidized coats and be forced to make changes in the raising, care, transport and HUMANE killing of every animal.
The tide is already turning that direction, with Peta and others forcing various restaurants to change their menues and policies, that's only the beginning.

[magpie451]

It%u2019s worth looking at data gathered by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) regarding livestock killed by various wild carnivores. For cattle, data from 2005 indicate that wild carnivores and dogs killed 0.18 percent of the nation%u2019s cows, while 4 percent were lost to disease, birthing problems, weather and theft. Notably, of the cattle lost to wild carnivores in 2005, wolves killed only 0.02 percent.

Wild carnivores and domestic dogs take a larger bite out of America%u2019s sheep inventory, due to the profoundly defenseless nature of sheep, and due to lackadaisical husbandry practices on open range. The most recent NASS data (2004) indicate that wild carnivores and domestic dogs killed 3 percent of the nation%u2019s sheep, while 5 percent were lost to other causes. Although sheep are more vulnerable than cattle to wild carnivores, the loss rate is far from alarming. Most industries suffer some loss during production and shipping, yet few insist that they are entitled to government-funded protection from the sources of such losses.

In retaliation for the minor damage that wild carnivores inflict upon the bottom line of the livestock industry, the federal government dumps tens of millions of dollars each year into killing tens of thousands of wild carnivores, including endangered wolves. This multibillion-dollar war with no end wreaks a staggering ecological toll, and scientific evidence suggests this war may do little to actually reduce livestock losses.

[jimmyc1955]

Justhuman - So - you think wolves belong back in anybody's back yard, like it or not. Thats fine if its your back yard and your choice - but you don't have the right to make others live with it.

If I remember right - there weren't as many wolves in Yellowstone before hunting as there are now. "Mother Nature" didn't bring them back to the park - man did. Since man took away and then man brought back - maybe man should decide where they fit.

If you quit romanticizing this issue and look at the practical, current issues it is one of public safety, property rights and local control. Do those who live, own businesses and work in area's wolves are now encroaching on have a right to decide the level of safety of their community?

Or is it up to couch sitting urban romantics who watch too many nature films and who have created a deity know as "Mother Nature" to dictate to others how to live in order to satisfy their irrational visions of nature?

You and the mad hatter newster1 can stomp your feet and hold your breath demanding that others live as you dictate if you like. If I remember correctly this nation was built on the principle of individual liberty and inalienable rights of the individual of which property rights are key. If you don't like individuals having control over their own property - maybe you need to find a place that doesn't permit personal property and retains the right to seize what they want.

I think utopia sounds lovely too - good luck building it.

[justhuman]

jimmyc1955 it seems you don't read what everyone writes,you scan for what u don't like, then nag?What's w/that?Why is anyone complaining about the way wolves kill,they only have teeth to cut their food with,so common sense would let us know it might get a little hard to look at. Here's the short version, wolves were here before the cows check history.Mother Nature has a way of getting those back who r not returning what was taken from her.If the ranchers didn't give enough back,Mother Nature knows how to even the score.It's not the wolves fault humans almost wiped them out,now w/all those extra cows around Mother Nature is trying to put balance back-these wolves r just her clean-up crew. They eat meat,the cows r plentiful.