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> Home > Take Action: Wyoming is Worth Protecting! > Speak Up for Wyoming's Wolves Speak Up for Wyoming's WolvesSince wolves lost federal protection in late March, Wyoming residents have watched in dismay as anti-wolf foes have headed to the hills with rifles in hand, hoping for a chance to kill a wolf. Many wolf haters have been lucky, and over a dozen wolves have been killed. A recent news article recounted the fate of one wolf, which was shot and killed after being chased for 35 miles by someone driving a snowmobile. These recent events underscore the fact that Wyoming’s wolf management plan goes too far. Wyoming should manage wolves as a valuable wildlife resource. Instead, throughout almost 90 percent of the state, anyone who dislikes wolves can shoot the animals on sight, for no other reason than the fact that they don’t care for them. Wolves are part of life in the West. And, they are a prominent tourist attraction in the northern Rockies, bringing in upwards of $35 million annually to this region. Wyoming’s concessions to anti-wolf extremists threaten to send wolves sliding back toward extinction. The state also stands to lose tourism revenue and ecological health by continuing to allow the slaughter of wolves. There is another way. Wyoming has much to gain from embracing wolves as an important economic, ecological and cultural resource. Read more about our wolf work here. Take Action:Wyoming needs a responsible, rational management plan that brings all sides together and relies on the best available science. Write to the Director of Wyoming Tourism Diane Shober, President of the Wyoming Chamber of Commerce Mike Willard, and Executive Director of the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Tim O’Donoghue and tell them you are disappointed in Wyoming’s wolf management plan. It is imperative that these individuals hear from Wyoming residents. Below are some talking points you can include in your letter, but remember, a personal letter is the best letter. Tell these individuals why you think wolves should be a valued economic and ecological value in your state. Contact information to send in your letter is below. - I am extremely disappointed with how Wyoming has chosen to manage one of its most valuable wildlife resources – wolves. - Wyoming’s plan allows wolves to be killed on sight in almost 90 percent of the state and that more than a dozen have already been killed. This shoot-on-sight policy is bad wildlife management. - It is unheard of for a species to go from endangered status one day to a such aggressive management the next. - A University of Montana study showed that wolves generate upwards of $35 million annually for the region. Wolves are an important economic resource for our state. - I would urge you to tell Governor Freudenthal and the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission that Wyoming’s wolves are an important wildlife resource and should be appreciated for their economic, ecological and cultural values. More Information:Gene Bryan, Chairman Mike Willard Tim O’Donoghue |
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