Recreational wolf hunting must never happen! Wolves are intelligent, social animals. Pack structures, prey and territorialism combine to regulate wild wolf populations. Science indicates that there is no need to “cull” or keep a population “in check.” Hunting wolves is trophy hunting and only done as a blood sport!
Colorado has an opportunity to get wolf restoration right. Our neighbors in the Northern Rockies have failed and are now engaged in a full-on war on wolves. Coloradans have the spirit and leadership to coexist with native carnivores.
Both Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have a responsibility to do right by wolves, do right by Coloradans and get paws on the ground by 2023!
Colorado’s wolf plan must restore wolves throughout suitable, historical habitat in Western Colorado in order to bring about the desired, ecological benefit, fulfill the spirit of Proposition 114, and track with the best, available science. A half-hearted superficial effort that sees only token wolf populations will fail Colorado and wolves!
Wolves are native to Colorado and are highly-adapted carnivores. They are, naturally, inclined to feed on deer, elk and other native wildlife. But when non-native, unprotected livestock are on the landscape, they represent easy feeding opportunities for wolves. State officials and livestock owners must do their part by taking robust, proactive, conflict-avoidance measures.
Diane Kastel
Colorado Springs
