I am writing to express my concerns about Lauren Boebert’s guest column headlined, “Boebert: ‘Science is clear, gray wolf is fully recovered,“ in which Boebert defends her proposed Trust the Science Act, which seeks to allow states to opt out of federal protection for wolves, grizzly bears and other iconic species.
First, Boebert’s claims that wolves would be a threat to livestock are flawed. In fact, a 2014 study found that wolves had a minimal economic impact on ranchers, and that nonlethal measures such as guard dogs and electric fencing were effective in reducing losses.
Furthermore, the gray wolf and other predators, have been shown time and again to be a critical component of healthy ecosystems, and wolf recovery is a testament to the success of the Endangered Species Act.
Additionally, it’s important to note that wolf reintroduction is also at risk on the state level in Colorado. A recent bill, Senate Bill 256, could delay the reintroduction of wolves, despite the fact that the people of Colorado approved a measure to restore wolves in November 2020, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife committed to start reintroduction this year.
I urge readers to consider the potential consequences of this legislation, and to support the protection and restoration of endangered species like the gray wolf. We should be working to find solutions that promote coexistence between wolves and ranchers, not undermining the recovery of these vital species.
Caleb Alexander
Wolf Conservation Center
Edgewater
