Wolf Weekly Wrap Up!

17th Anniversary of Mexican Gray Wolf Reintroduction:  By the 1970’s Mexican gray wolves were eradicated in the United States and only a handful remained in Mexico. But seventeen years ago this March 29th, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, then led by Jamie Rappaport Clark (now president of Defenders of Wildlife), brought the first 11 captive-bred Mexican gray wolves back into the wild in Arizona and New Mexico. Since their release 17 years ago, the Mexican gray wolf population has grown to 109 wolves. This is certainly progress, but by no means are Mexican gray wolves recovered; they still remain the most endangered subspecies of wolf in the entire world. Nonetheless, we are encouraged by the fortitude of these amazing, iconic wolves over the past 17 years. Now we need to ensure that the Fish and Wildlife Service does right by the lobos and makes a plan for long-term recovery so that we can celebrate the presence of wild lobos for years to come!

Idaho Department of Fish and Game Hearing a Howling Success: Last week we encouraged you to show your wolf support by joining us at a special meeting of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG)’s Fish and Game Commission. The support report? A+! Thanks to members and wolf advocates who attended, the meeting in Boise this past Monday was a real example of how much the people of Idaho want to see gray wolves protected throughout the state.

Hook, line and sinker: We recently came across some amazing wolf footage from Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska. In the park and region, salmon runs provide a main source of nutrition for wolves during the summer. This video shows a gray wolf fishing for his food – and giving another local wildlife resident a run for his money. Looks like bears aren’t the only ones who have mastered the art of surveying the stream; this wolf is no fish out of water when it comes to catching a nice salmon dinner! (This part of the post is from the Wolf Weekly Wrap Up appeared first on Defenders of Wildlife Blog.)

When their snipers gunned down 19 wolves from a helicopter in Idaho last month, the ironically named Wildlife Services revealed once again just how ruthless and reckless this government killing crew has become. Now they've been given the green light to start killing wolves again in Minnesota, where last year they trapped and gunned down 172. And it's not just Minnesota's wolves that are at stake.
Help Stop Wildlife Services, Give NowHelp Stop the Government's Rogue Wildlife-Killing Machine

Wildlife Services is the shadowy agency that serves as the government's contract killers of wildlife. They show up when governors, powerful corporations and Big Ag call, slaughtering more than 3 million animals a year -- including wolves, bears, mountain lions, hawks and otters. They operate without accountability, behind a veil of secrecy, and we've just gone to court to stop them.

To win this critical lawsuit we need your help with a donation to our Stop Wildlife Services Fund.

We've filed suit to stop Wildlife Services in Idaho, where their aerial snipers, neck traps and cyanide land mines kill thousands of wild animals every year. We aim to take this powerful government program down and stop their slaughter -- a costly endeavor, but one we're committed to seeing through.

That's why we need your contribution to our Stop Wildlife Services Fund.
Our scientists, lawyers and activists will put your support straight to work shutting down this rogue agency.

In 2013 alone, Wildlife Services killed 25,653 beavers, 866 bobcats, 528 river otters, 973 red-tailed hawks and 419 black bears. Since 2001 they've spent more than $1 billion in taxpayers' money to kill animals. Congressman Peter DeFazio says: "Wildlife Services is one of the most opaque and least accountable agencies that I know of in the federal government. They are a world unto themselves. And that's a world we are not allowed to see into."

You can help us today to fight this rogue program. Let's stop this government killing machine.
7 Sanctuaries Working to Save Abused and Neglected Wolves and Wolf-Hybrids

There is an exotic pet epidemic in the United States. Many of these animals, including big cats and reptiles, are not native to the U.S. but are purchased, sold or traded through the illegal wildlife trade. Other exotic pets, like wolves, can be obtained through a simple Google search.
Even though wolves are vastly different from domesticated dogs, people are attracted to the beauty and “wildness” of wolves, and many desire to keep one as a pet. Although manyspecies of wolf are endangered across the U.S., it is incredibly easy to purchase a purebred wolf or “high content” wolfdog through online breeders. Many of the ads inform potential owners that the animal or litter is “raised indoors,” “well-socialized,” “selectively-bred,” has an “excellent temperament” and was “bottle-fed.” These descriptions are meant to convince customers that wolves and wolfdogs can be raised and kept just like any other dog.
The reality is, unlike domesticated dogs who have evolved to live with humans over thousands of years, wolves are wild. People who buy wolves and wolfdogs as puppies can manage caring for these animals, but as they grow they often become aggressive and destructive.
Sadly, many people learn the hard way, but it’s the wolves and wolfdogs that are the real victims. Once owners realize they’re not capable of taming these wild animals, they attempt to have them placed at a shelter; however, there is no approved rabies vaccine for wolves or wolfdogs so they usually end up getting euthanized on the spot.
Caring for wolves or wolfdogs requires a profound understanding of their complex behaviors and the ability to provide enough space and stimulation to keep them content in captivity. Usually, the only people who are capable of taking care of these animals are those who run wolf sanctuaries and have devoted their lives to the wolves and wolf-dog hybrids in their care.
These seven amazing sanctuaries are working to end the wolf-pet epidemic by educating the public about wolf ownership, and providing a safe forever home to countless abandoned animals.

1. Wolves Offered Life and Friendship (W.O.L.F)

Closed to the general public.
Founded by Frank and Patricia Wendland in 1995, W.O.L.F  is an 180-acre refuge for over two dozen rescued wolves and wolf dogs in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The stillness of the sanctuary, hidden away in the woods, allows the wolves to live their lives with as little disturbance possible. While the sanctuary isn’t open to the general public, they do provide volunteer opportunities and outreach educational programs.

2. Wolf Haven International

Scheduled tours available.
Since Wolf Haven was founded in South Puget Sound in 1982, they’ve provided sanctuary for over 180 captive-born wolves and select wolf dogs. Many of the enclosures are private, but a few are available for public viewing; this ensures that the tours do not disrupt the wolves. This deep understanding of the wolves’ natural weary disposition is a testament to the knowledge and compassion that Wolf Haven has for their animals.

3. Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania

Tours available.
The Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania is home to over 40 unwanted wolves and wolfdogs. Dawn Darlington and Darin Tompkins currently run the 22-acre sanctuary in Lititz, where they provide their animals with the highest level of care possible. Each month the sanctuary offers a full moon tour for individuals hoping to experience these shy animals at night.

4. Misson: Wolf

Tours available.
Founder Kent Weber has been licensed to care for captive wolves and wolfdogs since 1984.Misson: Wolf is a sanctuary located on over 200 acres in Colorado. The sanctuary provides loving life-long homes to 32 wolves and wolfdog hybrids. Dedicated to sustainable living, their committed team resides in solar-powered facilities and tipis. These amazing volunteers are therefore always available to ensure the animals have the highest quality care possible.

5. Lakota Wolf Preserve

Scheduled tours available.
The Lakota Wolf Preserve is located in the Kittatinny Mountains of New Jersey. Jim Stein and Becky Mace, the sanctuary’s founders, have cared for captive-born wolves at Lakota Wolf Preserve for the past 15 years. Many of the wolves were rescued from zoos or other menageries and need to be supervised by humans.
Visitors are invited to come and meet each distinct pack of wolves at the preserve, and those looking for the photography experience of a lifetime can take a private photo tour.
7 sanctuaries helping wolf and wolf dogs

6. St. Francis Wolf Sanctuary

Scheduled tours available.
Reverand Jean LeFevre founded St. Francis Wolf Sanctuary in 2002. After visiting a sanctuary in Texas that housed a number of malnourished wolves and wolf dogs, Jean LeFevre was determined to open a sanctuary of her own. Today, St. Francis Wolf Sanctuary provides refuge for over a dozen wolves and wolfdogs in Montgomery, Texas. Many of these animals were surrendered by private owners, abandoned, or rescued from abusive conditions.

7. Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary

Scheduled tours available.
Founded in 1991 (initially under the name The Candy Kitchen Wolf and Wolfdog Rescue Ranch), the Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary is located in New Mexico and provides refuge for unwanted wolves and wolfdogs. The sanctuary runs a series of active outreach programs to educate the public, and hopefully, dissuade individuals from obtaining wolves and wolfdogs as pets. This stellar facility works tirelessly to ensure that the animals in their care are rendered the love and respect they deserve.
Lead image source: USFWS/Wikimedia Commons
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