Wolf Weekly Wrap Up

on
Wolf Emergency, Feds to Trap Wolf Father
Mexican Gray Wolf
Grizzlies, Wolves, and the Endangered Species Act. A briefing on Capitol Hill this week brought much needed attention to role that the Endangered Species Act (ESA) plays in protecting America’s wildlife, and how the law is as important today as it was when signed by Richard Nixon in 1973. Representatives Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Arizona), Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon) and Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan), spoke passionately in favor of protecting key species such as the wolf and grizzly bear, and for the value of the ESA in protecting both species and their habitat. These members also demanded that their colleagues on the Hill resist attempts to undermine the Endangered Species Act. In just 16 months, the 114th Congress has introduced 100 legislative proposals to undermine the ESA, including 50 different proposals to block or remove protections for vulnerable wildlife. Twelve of these legislative attacks are attempts to delist wolves from the Endangered Species Act in specific parts of the country. Panelists at the briefing included premier wildlife photographer Thomas Mangelsen, author Todd Wilkinson, and biologist David Moskowitz. The panelists also called for protecting the ESA as a cornerstone conservation law that is desperately needed in the 21st century to protect wildlife and habitat in a changing climate. The final panelist was Brian Bean, Defenders’ project partner and cofounder of the Wood River Wolf Project. Brian spoke about his experience using nonlethal tools to coexist with wolves on the range in Idaho. Despite the operation having one of the highest concentrations of sheep and wolves sharing the same landscape, the operation also boasts the lowest rate of livestock loss to wolves statewide.

 The wolf known as "Guardian" -- leader of the Southwest's Luna pack, loyal mate and expectant father -- works hard to provide for his growing family. But the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to trap him the minute his pups are born, then lock him up for the rest of his life. He'll never see his mate or babies again and likely never have another chance to raise a family. Without him there to help protect and feed his family, the new mother and her pups' future will hang in the balance too.

 Mexican gray wolves in Arizona and New Mexico are among the most endangered animals in the world. Just 87 remain in the wild after relentless killings and losses from poaching, political pandering and government mishandling. Low genetic diversity means that biologically, as well as socially, every lobo is vital to this population's survival. Removing even one is a tragic waste.

 We won't let the feds trap Guardian. That's why our own passionate wolf expert, Michael Robinson, is on the ground full time in New Mexico fighting to stop it. It's why your matched donation to our Wildlife and Wildlands Defense Fund is so critical right now. If you donate today, a deeply committed wolf advocate has pledged to match your gift dollar for dollar.

 Guardian is accused of preying on a rancher's cows, but when ranchers don't follow good, proven practices to protect their cattle -- like removing livestock carcasses of animals that have died naturally from the range so wolves and other wild carnivores don't find them -- innocent animals like Guardian pay the price. And we move closer to another extinction.

 The Gila National Forest should be a safe place for wolves -- but private ranchers expect Uncle Sam to turn our wildlands into tame pastures for unattended livestock. Lobos have every right to live on these lands without persecution. That’s why a dedicated champion of the wild has generously offered to match your donation and save Guardian from a life in captivity. There couldn't be a better time to give to our Wildlife and Wildlands Defense Fund.

 Grieving wolves have been known to howl so despondently after losing a mate that they permanently damage their vocal chords. And Guardian deserves to watch his pups grow up. We need your help to keep Guardian's wild family together. Please -- give what you can to the Wildlife and Wildlands Defense Fund.

Help Us Protect Guardian and Other Wolves With a Matching Gift

Related articles