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Gray Wolf Taken Off Endangered Species LIst

thedailygreen.com — Gray wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains have been removed from the nation's list of endangered species, signaling a conservation success story. Or the premature end to needed protections. Or both, maybe.

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  • socialpyramid, on 02/22/2008, -8/+25Hopefully it can stay off.
    • CraigMac, on 02/22/2008, -8/+3The aspect of genetic diversity is important. When a population shrinks to that extent, the pack becomes vulnerable to disease. That's why cloned animals are such an exercise in stupidity:

      http://www.celsias.com/2008/01/20/cloned-animals-r ...
      • brufleth, on 02/22/2008, -1/+8Err...except when animals (say cows) are cloned to create genetic duplicates of superior breeding stock. Nobody is dumb enough to create genetically identical herds but that doesn't mean they can't be helpful in reducing the price of desirable breeding material.
    • yomamaphat, on 02/22/2008, -2/+12It probably will stay off but not necessarily because they have a healthy population. I live in Wyoming and I know a lot of ranchers are happy about this so they can shoot the wolves now depending on the new status. (Well they did anyway on occasion). Sad but true. This news is not necessarily good.
      • Mootabolife, on 02/22/2008, -0/+4So it's just one big stupid cycle.
      • ChzPlz, on 02/22/2008, -0/+3Yeah, I used to do endangered species work up here in Canada. There was lots of "Shoot, shovel, and shut up" going on.
      • stonebear, on 02/22/2008, -1/+1Details:
        Defenders Of Wildlife
        http://tinyurl.com/2vkueq

        This is a good documentary:
        A Man Among Wolves
        http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/mana ...
        http://www.mininova.org/tor/1042878
        • KnightofMars, on 02/22/2008, -1/+1What they're not telling you is this:

          The FWS and other wildlife agencies (US Forest Service, National Park Service, etc. - collectively, "the agencies") spent tons of money to get wolves reintroduced to the Northern Rocky Mountain Area (NRMA). Well, these wolves are thriving and expanding. In fact, they've expanded outside the original NRMA refuge zone and are moving into the areas where ranchers graze their cattle. When the wolf population is at average, they tend to stay away from human settlements and prefer to hunt free-roaming game. But if there are more packs of wolves than the land can support (i.e., too little territory that can be staked by independent packs) and not enough wild game, they start moving into cattle grazing lands.

          At first, the ranchers wanted simple steps taken to take precautions. They asked that the wolves be placed safely back in the NRMA. The environmental advocacy groups (EAGs) said, no, that would "harm the wolves". The ranchers wanted to put up electrical fences to prevent wolves from entering the range. (The voltage does not kill the wolves, it merely deters them from entering the area) The EAGs sued to have the fences removed. The ranchers asked for chemicals to be used to dissuade attacks on cattle. (Also not lethal: it's the same stuff people use to keep their cats from pissing on their furniture) Again the EAGs sued. And this has been happening for a few years now.

          Finally, the ranchers said "screw it" and wanted to pop the wolves - bear in mind this was after years of being stonewalled and trying to be reasonable but not getting even part of the way. So the states got involved. And the cycle began again. So did the lawsuits. So the states, frustratingly, are behind the wolf shots. Thus, you hear ranchers who have that "shoot, shovel, and shut up" attitude because naive do-gooders are actually doing more harm than good for both the wolves and the ranchers in their Quest to save the cute furry critters.

          Whether you believe the ranchers or the EAGs is up to you. But bear in mind that in this case, as in so many other ones in government, the whole side of the story isn't being told and unless a person knows where to look (or sometimes even cares to), all that can be heard is the lopsided shouting of one side. As jedicurt states below, do your research.
    • nospinhere, on 02/22/2008, -3/+2wow, what a killjoy
    • davidrools, on 02/22/2008, -2/+1in other news, sheep and babies were added to the list.
  • BuzzDiggity, on 02/22/2008, -7/+23this would be a great time for kevin costner to step in with a sequel: Dances With Many, Many Wolves
    • punisher18, on 02/22/2008, -1/+4as sad as his recent movie career has become i wouldnt doubt him making that movie, lol i would however doubt myself ever seeing it or renting it .
    • ChocChunkOaties, on 02/22/2008, -2/+15Yeah, and 'Dance's with' should be changed to 'Mauled by'
      • RealmDown, on 02/22/2008, -1/+7Don't be so cruel. There were several seconds in that movie that I truly enjoyed.
      • ICSU, on 02/22/2008, -0/+3fu, it's an epic film ;P
      • mranthrope13, on 02/24/2008, -0/+0Nobody gets mauled by wolves you ***** idiot. The trick is to get them close enough to even see them.
    • mikephimikephi, on 02/22/2008, -0/+4Ta-tun-kah....Ta-tun-kah
    • wolfsongo, on 06/04/2008, -0/+0Yes, it would....I so agree with you...thanks for the kindness in you.

      Wolfy..
  • nyeus, on 02/22/2008, -5/+22I can honestly say this brought a smile to my face. I hope this trend continues.
    • robocop1, on 02/22/2008, -7/+4hippie
    • LukasSmith, on 02/22/2008, -4/+3I wonder what else brings a smile to his face?
      • ICSU, on 02/22/2008, -0/+4your mom
      • LukasSmith, on 02/22/2008, -1/+2If you can smile after seeing my mother. Well I guess there is a God.
        • csw1342, on 02/22/2008, -0/+1Im gonna tell her that tonight at the ritual.
    • RedXIII, on 02/22/2008, -0/+1Me too. It's really sad to watch BBC planet earth and realise that all these incredible land masses and organisms are disappearing.
      This is great news!
    • s0rce7, on 02/22/2008, -1/+2someone needs to wake up. they are still endangered they were taken off the list so the oil companies can rape the ***** out of there land.
  • plasma25, on 02/22/2008, -8/+3Thats a nice looking Wolf.... cmon wolf, come by, come by....
  • SlamShut, on 02/22/2008, -18/+71WOLF BURGERS FOR DINNER TONIGHT, BOYS!
    • potisreallygood, on 02/22/2008, -2/+8Yee Haw!!
    • stealth45, on 02/22/2008, -4/+2This is one of the best comments in recent history.
    • DRINKxREDxBULL, on 02/22/2008, -2/+10Tonight we dine on WOOOLFF!!!!
    • Nougat, on 02/22/2008, -0/+7OM NOM NOM NOM NOM
    • wolfboy2883, on 02/22/2008, -1/+10That's disgusting. That's like eating dogs. I'll stick to deer meat, thanks.
      • PrettyMuchBryce, on 02/22/2008, -0/+4I'll stick to people, thanks.
        • stonebear, on 02/22/2008, -0/+1I recommend something full-bodied and hearty; a nice chianti, perhaps? Some kind of legume will go well as a side dish.
        • antdude, on 02/22/2008, -0/+1Lector, is that you? Or are you Jeffery?
      • wolfsongo, on 06/04/2008, -0/+0Thank you!!! I am part of an org called "The Wolf Keepers."
        We are watching ALL states that have taken our wolves OFF the endangered species list..We KNOW what this means for the wolves.

        We need people to join and STOP the slaughtering of these beautiful creatures...they are still part of the eco system..

        Overpopulated...then re locate....but the Gov rather pay a bounty hunter for it is cheaper..plus the FED have to pay ranchers for lost livestock due to wolves...

        A reply would be nice...Want to hear your take..

        NAMASTE
    • csw1342, on 02/22/2008, -0/+1Kagogi. I dont spell Korean.
    • cybrguy, on 02/22/2008, -0/+2MMMMMMM wolf pelt bean bag... ...
  • ssn697, on 02/22/2008, -16/+9All this has done in Montana is made a vocal minority of people bitch that the wolves shouldn't have been removed yet. Never mind that their population increase has endangered other species. The "anything but humans" crowd wants them put back on the list.
    • praisethelard, on 06/06/2008, -1/+6I remember seeing a video stating that bringing in the wolves brought balance to the natural habitat. There had been wolves before, but were driven away leaving the deer population to grow causing them to eat much more of the foliage leaving less building supplies for beavers, which in turn prevented their damns from allowing vegetation on the banks of rivers to grow. Or something to that effect. It was narrated by Edward Norton, so it has to be correct.
      • dartmanx, on 02/22/2008, -0/+12The first rule of documentaries narrated by Ed Norton: we don't talk about documentaries narrated by Ed Norton.
      • ElAssoWipo, on 02/22/2008, -2/+11The wolves and wildcats are the only real predators in North America. Birds of prey are also predators, but they eat very little.

        We killed them all to make way for humans, bears also. So everything they used to eat didn't have predators anymore and then there was a huge surge in their populations (like deer for example). So hunting deer became necessary to control the population.

        With wolves back in the picture, there is more balance. This is good for deer, good for wolves and good for humans. (it's good for deer because of natural selection, good for humans because it limits deer population, which can be very problematic).
        • rex84, on 02/22/2008, -4/+3I live in the mountains of VA, where they trucked in coyotes 15 years ago, now there are packs of them everywhere 30 strong. The woods around my Mom's house is full of them, they've killed 3 of her cats, chased her once, and came at me when I was out in the woods dirt biking. I now have to carry a rifle when I go hiking. So no, they're NOT good for humans.
          • DiggDugg00, on 02/22/2008, -0/+6Coyote attacks on humans are ultra rare. I find your ignorance and unfounded fear saddening. For the record, I live in area with a healthy coyote population and I continue to hunt, fish, and camp without wetting myself.
          • csw1342, on 02/22/2008, -1/+5And humans aren't good for the earth or coyotes for that matter. Besides a fog horn or a starter pistol would probably do the same amount of good as a regular firearm.
          • ElAssoWipo, on 02/22/2008, -1/+3If you go biking on some predator's dinner plate, you can't blame the predator for wanting to eat you. You are the weaker animal, learn your role.
          • oshear, on 02/23/2008, -0/+0You're afraid of coyotes? What a ***** ignorant terrified little pussy you are.
          • mranthrope13, on 02/24/2008, -0/+0Packs of 30 coyotes? Man, you don't know what the hell you're talking about.
        • wolfboy2883, on 02/22/2008, -0/+1I've lived in VA my whole life, and I go camping/hiking a lot. I've NEVER seen a pack of coyotes size 30. Furthermore, coyotes are tiny. They're smaller than your average domestic dog. ...And they scare easily.

          On a side note, wolves also keep coyotes under control.
    • flashingcurser, on 02/22/2008, -3/+8The only ones I hear bitching here in Montana are the ranchers. The ranchers have powerful lobbyists and beef is big business here in montana and wyoming. I suspect they are behind the change in status. Ranchers loose some livestock to wolves. I'm sure they would love the opportunity to shoot wolves. If conservationists want this to continue to be successful, they will have to find a way to compensate the ranchers for their losses. Maybe an insurance policy of some sort that covers confirmed kills.
      • ssn697, on 02/22/2008, -2/+4Interesting. Here is the SECOND and THIRD PARAGRAPH of the story in the local Montana newspaper:

        "However, conservation groups say that while wolves are rebounding, they haven’t made a sound enough recovery to warrant delisting, and the groups have promised to file litigation to challenge the decision.

        “Americans will howl with rage when they learn that their government is jeopardizing this iconic animal,” said Louisa Willcox with the National Resource Defense Council. “Why snatch defeat from the jaws of victory when we’ve made so much progress toward recovering wolves in the Greater Yellowstone region?”
      • ssn697, on 02/22/2008, -4/+5Digg decided to burp. More from the article:

        "Jenny Harbine, an attorney with Bozeman-based Earthjustice, said the organization intends to submit a 60-day notice — required by the Endangered Species Act — of its intent to stop the delisting effort on behalf of eight or more conservation groups Wednesday."

        That's right, EIGHT conservation groups. On top of the one mentioned above. But Digg me down. I am just making it up...
    • wolfboy2883, on 02/22/2008, -2/+6The ranchers need to do their homework first. Wolves wont eat their livestock unless there's no food. Build a fence you morons! Furthermore, deer are waaaay overpopulated. Next time you're driving your truck and you hit a deer and it breaks your windshield and puts you in the hospital, remember it is your fault for impeding the wolves.
      • ssn697, on 02/22/2008, -1/+5It is the Elk population here that is very high. Wolves will help with that, which means bears have year-round food supply, as well as eagles, wolverines, etc. etc. etc.

        Any of the scavenger group benefits from wolves.
  • Spamcan, on 02/22/2008, -3/+30Sadly the teen wolf numbers continue to decline much to the disappointment of high school basketball fans everywhere.
  • SmooveO, on 02/22/2008, -8/+1How soon before a sports franchise now claims the gray wolf as its mascot?
    • sgtbutterscotch, on 02/22/2008, -0/+7Is there a pattern of sports franchises claiming animals that have recently come off the endangered species list as mascots?
    • doctorcaligari, on 02/22/2008, -0/+2Ummm... The Minnesota Timberwolves have been around since 1989. Their mascot is a grey wolf. Not to mention the NC State Wolfpack, who got the name in 1922, and their wolf mascot in the 1960's.
      • johnso68, on 02/22/2008, -0/+2Hmmm last time I checked a Timberwolf is not a Gray Wolf and a wolfpack could be any species of wolf, not just a gray wolf.
    • johnso68, on 02/22/2008, -1/+2Hopefully none. Don't want the gray wolf activists to get pissed and file law suits on behalf of the gray wolf for degradation of their race by using it as a mascot.
  • retzed, on 02/22/2008, -4/+33In related news, 30 smaller animals are introduced to the list.
  • Malevolant, on 02/22/2008, -4/+13It's great they're off the list but that doesn't mean it should be a FFA in terms of hunting them. I always thought it was ironic that they are so demonized when they are the wild equivalent to our domesticated large breed dogs. Wolves, like Marijuana, get a lot of b.s. press because there are ulterior motives at work, from people with money to make.
    • TheFoshizzler, on 02/22/2008, -1/+9I see what you're saying, but who's making money off of saying wolves are evil? I'd like to get into that business.
      • Luminoth, on 02/22/2008, -1/+4Politicians
      • csw1342, on 02/22/2008, -0/+4Developers? in speculation.
      • tschau, on 02/22/2008, -0/+5Ranchers.
      • fantasticFlan, on 02/22/2008, -2/+2Just another case of big muskrat trying to keep the wolves down.
      • wolfsongo, on 06/04/2008, -0/+0Yes, they are freaken evil...no heart,soul....NOTHING..it is all about GREED...for the Bounty hunters being paid to KILL the wolves and the GOV,FEDS ,Fish and Game that are all about saving the all mighty buck...Why aren't our TAXES being used to re locate our wolves...do the citizens who are outraged about the slaughtering of the families of wolves....

        Our org do NOT compare them to dogs as someone above mentioned...this is stupitity and ignorance...the wolves deserve to be re located to santuaries who welcome them....

        Please help in our cause......
        We are WATCHING EVERY state that will be in the catorgory of delisting the wolves...and are PLANNING fall HUNTS...

        We are trying to educate people about the wolves...they have been given a BAD rap..yes..they kill livestock...when over populated in the areas where the ranchers are...but they can be taken away...through life NOT death...

        namaste...thank you
    • SpaceMonkeyZero, on 02/22/2008, -6/+5Yes but now if a wolf is threatening your livestock or pets or family, you can shoot it and not worry about some granola eating barefooted hippie with a guitar threatening you.
      • csw1342, on 02/22/2008, -1/+1Does granola scare you?? I just hate patchouli. Oh and hippies.
      • caleb4mj, on 02/22/2008, -2/+2If a wolf was threatening my family, pets or livestock I wouldn't hesitate to put them down. Same goes for the hippies. But I'm happy they made it off the endangered species list. Maybe with a little luck they'll mind their own business and stay off our lawn.
        • csw1342, on 02/22/2008, -1/+1Im with ya on the hippies part. But it was their lawn first.
        • wolfsongo, on 06/06/2008, -1/+0THE WOLF WILL NOT THREATEN YOUR FAMILY, THEY ARE AFRAID OF HUMANS, GEE WONDER WHY...AS FAR AS LIVESTOCK...STICK UP SO ELECTRICAL FENCE.....THERE ARE WAYS..YOU KNOW..COME ON JOIN US IN TAKING CARE OF THE PROBELEM IN A MORE HUMANE METHOD AND COMPASSION...WE CAN DO IT..PLEASE HELP...I URGE YOU TO.. THANKS, WOLFY
        • wolfsongo, on 06/06/2008, -1/+0come on and help us save the wolves..we will help you as well.... : )
      • wolfsongo, on 06/04/2008, -1/+0I beg to differ with you csw1324, us barefooted hippies are the WATCHDOGS for the protection of our wolves. You must not be of the sixtys generation....we learned about honoring ALL life...sadly you do not it seems...

        Our org "Keepers Of The Wolves" is about re location them NOT killing them...Where is the compassion in you people who poke fun at their demise...???? Karma is a BITCH..

        The CAN be relocated...or is it you want bucks for a kill...??

        Trying to reach you thats all...
        NAMASTE....WOLFY
    • ssn697, on 02/22/2008, -2/+2You see it all the time on the Stock Market. People talking ***** about Wolves, then shorting wolf stock...

      There is a much more complete story here: http://helenair.com/articles/2008/02/22/top/65st_0 ...

      Ed Bangs (yes he does) is an interesting part of the wolf recovery story...

      After dedicating a decade to this, he is upset with the "conservationist" crap:

      "Bangs is clearly frustrated by that type of comment, as well as recent claims by conservation groups that say Yellowstone doesn’t have enough biological diversity to maintain a healthy population.

      “That rhetoric gets old,” he said. “We’ve done a thorough analysis, and people are out there making all kinds of statements when they haven’t ever read the rule (that will be posted next week). I think those groups lose a lot of credibility when they criticize us for stuff they haven’t even seen."
    • rex84, on 02/22/2008, -5/+4I can't believe you're equating them with domestic dogs. People who have such a big hard-on for wolves and coyotes don't live in rural places and don't have to deal with them killing pets and endangering their lives. Have no doubt, if you come across a pack of wolves, they will rip you from limb to limb.
      • plhearn, on 02/22/2008, -1/+5They were put on that list because humans killed them all off to being with.
        • wolfsongo, on 06/04/2008, -0/+0Indeed....so isn't it ironic..now they kill them....
      • DiggDugg00, on 02/22/2008, -2/+5Pet dogs are domesticated wolves. I can't believe you don't know that.
      • Gokuhunter, on 02/22/2008, -3/+0rex84 is 100% correct. After thousands of years of selective breading wolves are so far from domestic dogs comparing the 2 is like comparing humans to chimps. Similar yet very different.
      • Malevolant, on 02/22/2008, -0/+2It's an analogy not a direct comparison so don't misstate what I'm saying. The analogy was meant to say that we love dogs, and so when some people look at wolves they see something akin to large breed dogs. Also I live in Alaska, with more wolves than you'll ever see in your life, so I do know what I'm talking about. We have a pack that lives in our city. They aren't out to eat people so that's b.s. They do go after pets but the only ones they get are the ones running loose and/or unattended. They are very wary of humans. You should really learn more about the things you THINK you know what you're talking about. You do prove what I was saying earlier about people demonizing them. Thank you for that.
        • wolfsongo, on 06/04/2008, -0/+0mis understood...apology...YES, people demonize them...they are given a very BAD rap.....

          I would LOVE to be in alaska to study the wolves....
          They are not out to EAT people...but many do not know this. You could come upon a wolf and yell "scat" and they would, unless sick, or pups around...I do know what I am talking about..I have studied it and still am the whole situation...

          We just do not want anymore killed....we just want them relocated....can you see my point or not??

          Thanks,
          Wofly..
      • wolfsongo, on 06/04/2008, -1/+0You my friend need to be educated about wolves...and take a cold shower for your "Hard" on phase..you need it..

        I belonge to and org called "Keepers Of The Woves" and we are here to PROTECT them. Wolves will RUN from a mere human in pure fright..only human attacks have been fr sick wolves..which is RARE. The HUMANS are the ones ripping the wolves from limb to limb.

        I LIVE in a RURAL area..I HAVE many coyotes living behind my house...they come up to the fence line..kill rabbits..not humans..Wolves do the same....

        Malevolent KNOWS what he is talking about ..you do not.
        ignorant people like you are the cause and effect of ALL of us Americans who love the wolves who by the way have lived here for thousands of years...Humans NEED to be trained.

        Can you not find compassion in you God given soul to see re location for them instead of killing the families....I am asking you nicely....wake up and hear their majestic Howls....
  • Junkey, on 02/22/2008, -4/+25Damn, all my illegal Gray wolf hides aren't worth ***** now.
    • jarvis400, on 02/22/2008, -0/+1Well done! Would have been much better without the "illegal", though...
  • cnot3, on 02/22/2008, -3/+5Finally, now I can whip up some Tasty Wolf Stakes for a 10 minute boost of stamina and spirit..... ***** it, I quit.
    • RealmDown, on 02/22/2008, -0/+2I'm betting your a Tauren who also likes Chick Fil A.
    • Chairboy, on 02/22/2008, -0/+5Silly cnot3, stakes are for vampires. _Silver bullets_ are for wolves.
      That's the kind of mistake that'll get you killed in a monster fight.
    • GfunkGbuss, on 02/22/2008, -0/+2I swore you said "Tasty Wolf Shakes" and I instantly thought "But will they blend?"
  • nsanidy, on 02/22/2008, -9/+2I can haz species?
    • RealmDown, on 02/22/2008, -0/+11No, but I'll help hold you down while they feed.
  • CTK14A, on 02/22/2008, -1/+3Tippy Tom, however, remains on the endangered list.
  • denimation, on 02/22/2008, -3/+9There are only 100 breeding pairs.

    *****.

    Them wolves are gonna eat my chickens.
    • ssn697, on 02/22/2008, -0/+438 pairs in Montana. I tell you, nothing makes it harder to sleep at night than the howling from Wolves *****...
  • benroy, on 02/22/2008, -5/+1I've always wondered what Gray Wolf tasted like.
    Gray Wolf had better not taste like chicken.
    Or Chicken Tonight.
    Chicken Tonight,
    Chicken Tonight.
  • searchdestroy, on 02/22/2008, -2/+3How many wolves must die?
    • SpaceMonkeyZero, on 02/22/2008, -0/+15
    • schnikies79, on 02/22/2008, -0/+1Exactly 2.375
    • SteamyV, on 03/20/2008, -0/+1The answer is 70. 70 Wolves must die.
    • wolfsongo, on 06/04/2008, -0/+0We hope NONE...one wolf killed by humans is TOO many.

      We need people to protest this slaughtering...before it happens in the Fall.....Sign on to EONS if so enclined..and join "Keepers Of The Wolves" we are the VOICE for the wolves..they do NOT have to die.

      The MUST be relocated...

      NAMASTE...HIPPY EATING GRANOLA BARS...BAREFOOT AND ALL.. : )
  • mikephimikephi, on 02/22/2008, -7/+2Did anyone else think this was an article about Metal Gear Solid?
  • wiggles, on 02/22/2008, -0/+3In other news, Cougars are making a comeback as well. Three have been sighted east of the Mississippi, first time since the 1860's:
    http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-cougar_22fe ...
    • Chairboy, on 02/22/2008, -0/+11Also, in upper-class bars in New York.
    • cllewis, on 02/22/2008, -1/+4Cougars and Mellencamps are both on the rise from what I hear!
      • SpaceMonkeyZero, on 02/22/2008, -0/+1Mellencamps are just continuing to fade into obscurity and irrelevance.
  • meburnette, on 02/22/2008, -0/+2It is nice to see some good news nice in a while, grats to the gray wolf.
  • tattertech, on 02/22/2008, -0/+4When I was a kid I used to donate money to funds supporting gray wolves... Good to hear, even if there are a ton of problems with how the endangered species act works.
    • cllewis, on 02/22/2008, -1/+2Wow. All we had to do was give those gray wolves a handout and they started reproducing at a rate faster than they were dying. Animal welfare. Seems to have the same effect as human welfare. Give 'em a handout and they start reproducing.
    • Gokuhunter, on 02/22/2008, -0/+0You got it right... the problem isn't with taking the Grey Wolf off the list specifically. The ESA has a lot of flaws in general that need to be worked out.
  • JimSwarthow, on 02/22/2008, -8/+6all I know is I finally get to kill a gray-wolf.
    • wolfboy2883, on 02/22/2008, -3/+8And then when you hit a deer on the road and get totally ***** up, the wolf will have had its revenge.
    • ssn697, on 02/22/2008, -1/+8I hope they make wolf hunting season "knife only" next October. Check back with us then...
      • JimSwarthow, on 02/22/2008, -3/+1it's a Stripes (the Bill Murray movie!) reference you numbskull(s) - jeez o pete, some of the people around here need to step away from the computer and get a freakin' life.
        • ssn697, on 02/22/2008, -1/+2And so was my comment. That's a fact, Jack!
  • WolverineBlue, on 02/22/2008, -4/+5Regardless of what the environmentalists think, this still seems to be a victory for things that want to kill me.
    • ssn697, on 02/22/2008, -0/+2You must be a pussy Wolverine. All the wolverines I know would kick a wolf ass!
    • wolfboy2883, on 02/22/2008, -1/+4They won't hurt you unless you provoke them. Ignorance is what got them endangered in the first place.
      • ssn697, on 02/22/2008, -1/+1Farmers are what got them endangered/gone from the American west. Their re-introduction is good for eagles, bears, etc.

        Here is a good article covering it:

        http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/wolves/bangs.html
      • Gokuhunter, on 02/22/2008, -1/+0You seem confused. Wolves will attack unprovoked. Reference the death of Kenton Joel Carnegie.
        • wolfboy2883, on 02/22/2008, -0/+1Check your facts. Saskatchewan is also home to bears, which are known to attack humans. The wolves were likely scavenging or alltogether framed.

          Any human can frighten off wolves. Just wave your arms and shout and make lots of noise. The same principle works on cougars.
  • jaypeg, on 02/22/2008, -5/+2Finally! Me and Lobo, the dance begins once again.
    Lock and load!
    • wolfsongo, on 06/04/2008, -0/+0JEYPEG ARE YOU PLAIN STUPID???? Lock and load, how intelligent of a statement that is for you to say. A wolf who will run away form you...can only kill them through driving them to shear exhaustion....now tell me...that is no sport....mr lock and load....what a wimp.

      You are disgusting because you do NOT see the whole picture. You just think..woo hoo...kill a wolf...OMG...I just can't believe such humans exist like you.
    • wolfsongo, on 06/04/2008, -0/+0no replies, gee are you really thinking about this situation...hope so... would be nice..

      Thanks,
      Wolfy
  • anonymousabe, on 02/22/2008, -5/+1beautiful creatures. Just in time for MGS4 too. Metal Gear fans rejoice!!!
    • anonymousabe, on 02/22/2008, -0/+2nevermind everything after "beautiful creatures" haha.
    • solidhayter, on 02/22/2008, -0/+0You mixed up Gray Fox and Sniper Wolf. But I'll upvote you for working in a MGS reference. :)
  • kukote, on 02/22/2008, -6/+3A pair of wolves after the great flood during Noah's time survived up to this day. They are not endangered!!!
  • the2cheat, on 02/22/2008, -2/+0I can't wait for the sequal to 'Dances With Wolves'
  • rhedhead, on 02/22/2008, -8/+6With a base population of 66 wolves introduced into Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho in the mid-1990s, there are now nearly 1,300, with an additional 230 or so in Montana that have drifted down from Canada. I hardly think this is enough wolves to have them delisted.
    Delisting wolves now, is the work of a moron... oh yeah .. Thank you, President Bush.
    • Buelldozer, on 02/22/2008, -2/+5The levels for de-listing were set during the CLINTON administration and we're agreed to by both the FEDS and Environmentalist groups. We have reached and exceeded those levels. According to the rules and the numbers that everyone agreed on in the mid 90's it's time for delisting.

      Bush has absolutely ZERO to do with this.
  • Fallout911, on 02/22/2008, -8/+4Now all the rednecks will make sure they go back on that list.
  • martoq, on 02/22/2008, -9/+2Unfortunately every red neck hick hunter with a gun and a case of beer will be tracking em down again. Give it time you will see them back on the list.
  • fizzak, on 02/22/2008, -7/+0So I guess the old deerhunters politically correct excuse of "we need to control the population..tee..hee!" is no longer credible. Now mothernature is back to doing it?
  • ieddiew, on 02/22/2008, -6/+4in related news, Gray wolf is the latest animial placed on the DANGEROUS species list.. ..
  • protodon, on 02/22/2008, -6/+1In other news, the Polar Bear is gone. Now scientists can begin making fake promises to clone it but never actually do it.
    • SpaceMonkeyZero, on 02/22/2008, -1/+5The Polar Bear population is much higher now than it has been in the past 100 years...
  • RajAtWork, on 02/22/2008, -3/+1Dick Cheney wants a new coat?

    Just trying to fit in..
    • oshear, on 02/23/2008, -0/+0Yeah, or Jennifer Lopez. ***** bloodthirsty bitch.
  • zoezack, on 02/22/2008, -4/+3To get around the law, just change the rules....... This is the Bush administration's motto. The decision to remove protections for wolves is premature.
    • jedicurt, on 02/22/2008, -1/+3the Bush Administration had nothing to do with this... the acceptable levels for taking off of the list were set back in the mid 90's
    • WiFive, on 02/22/2008, -1/+2get around the law?!?! last i checked these were the guidelines set. (as stated by jedicurt already)... also, anyone who lives in the montana, wyoming, idaho, area will tell you that the pop numbers far exceed what is being reported. Trust me, there is no skirting the law here, as far as reintroduction is concerned, this was a success, and could very well develop into a population control issue if the trend in numbers continues...
      • Gokuhunter, on 02/22/2008, -0/+0Amen brother!
      • th3wiz4rd, on 03/15/2008, -0/+1That's right. I can't tell you how many wolves I've seen trotting around, acting all gay and stuff.
  • Spartehcus, on 02/22/2008, -3/+0Ma! Grab my shotgun.
    • csw1342, on 02/22/2008, -1/+3Isnt that the same sentence uttered the night you were concieved??
    • oshear, on 02/23/2008, -0/+0I was hoping that the next sentence would be "I'm going to kill me some dumb ***** wolf hunters."
  • keepinithamsta, on 02/22/2008, -6/+2The wolf thanked a conservation activist by ripping her face off.
  • lykos71, on 02/22/2008, -3/+1Something on the site tries to put a virus on your computer, my AntiVirus-programm was able to block it. It was reported as: JS/Dldr.Agent.817 in the diggthis.htm
  • azurechaos, on 02/22/2008, -3/+3State management plans are now going to allow the killing of up to 1,200 wolves, which is 80% of the wolves in the region. Idaho wants to use aerial gunning to kill the wolves and Wyoming's going to allow the use of traps and poison
    • jedicurt, on 02/22/2008, -1/+2Just because it was taking off of the Endangered list does not mean that it is off of the protected list...
    • wolfsongo, on 06/04/2008, -0/+0azur...thank you...geeesh if we could just get more like minded people together to realize the demise of the wolves..allowed to KILL 80% of the population is unthinkable....when the Gov caused it to begin with....now blood thirsty so called "Hunters." want to "Lock and Loade."


      Karma is a kick in the rear...I tell u....thanks... : )
      Wolfy
  • wolfboy2883, on 02/22/2008, -3/+12Ok. For those of you who failed 7th grade biology:
    -wolves are next to harmless to humans. They're afraid of people and won't come near you
    -wolves do NOT prey on livestock as a general rule. They eat deer, elk, and other wild animals
    -wolves pose NO THREAT TO WILD GAME POPULATIONS. In fact, they help them to thrive by weeding out the weakest members of the population. They also keep the deer populations in check so that deer don't destroy the environment/your garden/your car in a collision.

    Wolves are a critical part to our healthy ecosystem. Killing wolves is just removing another obstacle to our own destruction as a human species. Either take care of the environment, or perish. Consider yourselves warned!
    • pjr12345, on 02/22/2008, -5/+1Tell that to Little Red Riding Hood and her Grandmother.
    • deenoop, on 02/22/2008, -1/+1Game on!
    • The_Dude, on 02/22/2008, -0/+1A likely story....from a wolfboy!!
    • Gokuhunter, on 02/22/2008, -0/+2That is great book knowledge but unfortunately real life and what is is books is totally different. Wolves will attack humans if they think you are a meal and they have opportunity. Wolves do not differentiate between livestock and wild animals, to them prey is prey. You got one right... wolves don't pose a threat to game populations AS LONG AS their numbers are also kept in check. If there are to many wolves a problem begins.
      • oshear, on 02/23/2008, -0/+1"Book knowledge"? What the ***** do you know. I've lived in northern Canada for a long time and I can tell you that is fact. And the only reason for controlling the wolf population is to remove them as a competitor for hunters, which is a ***** reason as far as I'm concerned. Let the hunters stalk their meat in the supermarket like everyone else. Humanity has done enough damage to the ecosystem already.
        • pjr12345, on 02/24/2008, -0/+1Canada? Refresh my memory; isn't that the northern-most county of Minnesota?
          • mranthrope13, on 02/24/2008, -0/+0I think it's that country that hasn't totally decimated its wildlife yet, so we have to go there to repopulate ours.
          • pjr12345, on 02/24/2008, -0/+1Great! When Canada repopulates the wildlife, and finally depopulates its people (smart ones leave and the rest don't reproduce at the replacement rate), it will make a fine place for us Americans to hunt.
        • wolfsongo, on 06/04/2008, -0/+0oshear....THANK you for your comment!!!! woo hoo for you...What do they know??? NOTHING...except the reason behind why they will not take time and effort to re locate these wolve.

          They do NOT get it..so it takes a lot of work...organizations..and like minded people who have heart for wolves.....

          Please keep supporting the wolves...I feel like the "loner" in this forum...but I will not give up..

          Thank you
          NAMASTE
          Wolfy~~
      • wolfsongo, on 06/04/2008, -0/+0I agree if too many a problem is presented, but what we are trying to get across to everyone....be part of the solution NOT the problem...re locate these guys....

        The US has several Santuaries for the wolves and WANTS them...can you tell me why time and effort is not taken to save these creatures....please tell me...thank you .... :)

        Wolfy
    • wolfboy2883, on 02/22/2008, -0/+1Wolf populations do not need humans to regulate them. Wolves, and all carnivorous species for that matter, self regulate their population based on their food supply. When food becomes scarce, fewer pups are born and the population falls. There has been balance between predators and prey without human intervention for as long as life has existed on this planet- as nature and nature's God intended it. Humans have no place hunting predatory animals. Let nature run its course. There will always be enough game to go around for both humans and wolves. The more humans meddle in the balance of nature, the deeper they dig their own graves.
    • wolfsongo, on 06/04/2008, -0/+0A HEARTY THANK YOU TO YOU~~ You are one of the FEW inteligent humans I have seen on this site. People NEED to be educated about the wolves..they know no better.

      We NEED more people like you to advocate for the wolves and not allow the slaughtering of them....

      If you are ever interested...sign on to Eons....check out "Keepers Of The Wolves....

      NAMASTE (thank you my fellow friend...we need many more of people with compassion and the smarts and knowledge about wolves.. : )
    • wolfsongo, on 06/04/2008, -0/+0Thank you wolfboy...YES, there are some intellegent people here, thank God...!!!!!

      I am with you . We need to TEACH the humans about wolves and their behaviour...They assume because they live around them and livestock killed by wolves, they know ALL about them..They do not..Only that they are predators and hunt for food to survive...

      Maybe we should send those humans out with NO food for a good while and see what they would DO...should be gun them down..NO...we would have more sense..

      thank you
      wolfy..
  • SteveTheSultan, on 02/22/2008, -3/+0Spark open the grill. It is fried bald eagle, sautee manatee and wolf ice cream tonight
    • jedicurt, on 02/22/2008, -0/+1sautéed manatee??? gross... everyone knows you grill or deep fry manatee
  • crystalsmoke, on 02/22/2008, -1/+4These wolves aren't really out of danger. Their numbers now barely meet the Fish and Wildlife Service's initial 1987 minimal target recovery plan. That's far below the population size that current research indicates is viable for long term survival. Federal de-listing means leaving these wolves at the mercy of hostile state plans in Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, which will allow the slaughter of up to 80% of the population. Don't let Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne, who was appointed as "a pro-development Western Republican to push for more oil and gas drilling", to lull you into a false sense of security. See savewolves.org for more information.
    • MoralCuntPiss, on 02/22/2008, -2/+0Shut up you alarmist *****.
      • wolfsongo, on 06/05/2008, -1/+1LOL~~~~~your screename in itself shows what an idiot you are..you do not know ANYTHING..just some derogerotory remarks...whatever..get a education..ohh,,,yeah on WOLVES!!

        I am an alarmed, yes, by you ignorant HUMANS>.

        Wolfy...
    • wolfsongo, on 06/04/2008, -1/+0Thank you, Whew...I was beginning to wonder if there were any sane people here...Kuddos to you..Yes, My group and I belong to that org as well...they are doing good.

      Trying to EDUCATE these morons who no no better...sorry..out there, but I can't think of a nicer word to call you...wish I could.. :)

      Wolfy..
  • jedicurt, on 02/22/2008, -2/+4For all who think this was done prematurely... just because they are off of the Endangered Species list does not mean that they have been taken off of the Protected Species list. They are still a protected animal... they are just no longer considered to be Endangered. almost all of the previous measures to prevent the hunting of these creatures will still be in affect.

    Again... a case of people not knowing how things work in the real world
    • jedicurt, on 02/22/2008, -1/+4Excuse me...i was wrong... it is not the Protected Species list... it is the Threatened Species list

      http://www.clark.wa.gov/esa/faq.html#3

      3. What’s the difference between Threatened and Endangered?

      The Endangered Species Act allows for two levels of protection: threatened and endangered. Endangered means that a population or species is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Threatened means that a species or population is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future. Endangered listings immediately trigger the full protection of the ESA; with threatened listings, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have more flexibility in how the species should be protected and recovered.

      My apologies...
    • WiFive, on 02/22/2008, -0/+2right on jedicurt! kudos for the research
  • blatantninja, on 02/22/2008, -4/+3The Sierra club cries anytime a species is taken off. It gives them exposure.
    • kberry67, on 02/22/2008, -1/+1most sierra club members probably haven't even been camping.... and i mean in a tent or sleeping on the ground, not in an rv or cabin with a satellite dish
      • mranthrope13, on 02/24/2008, -0/+0You really don't know a goddamn thing, do you?
    • Gokuhunter, on 02/22/2008, -0/+1Of course they cry everytime. It is how they make a living. They no longer care about the animals. They want that donation check in their pocket.
  • textman, on 02/22/2008, -0/+2great success story!
  • zebulon, on 02/22/2008, -1/+1Thank god. Now we can go back to hunting them and destroying their habitat. [sarcasm]
    Congrats to the wolf packs! May you howl for another 300,000 years.
  • mikeds, on 02/22/2008, -0/+3Can't let you do that Star Fox!
  • Kenzan, on 02/22/2008, -0/+1So is it ok to eat them again?
  • s0rce7, on 02/22/2008, -0/+2they took them off the list so the oil companies can cut down all the wilderness in that area legally that's all. The wolves are still endangered and now they are in even more danger. This is not a good thing at all they should be put back on the list.
    • kberry67, on 02/22/2008, -0/+0there are plenty of wolves, they rape the ***** out of ranchers livestock and are endangering other species because there are so many... if anything some of them need to get whiped out so they stay at a sustainable population... trouble is, they can't get back to the numbers they were at in the 1800's... ever. theres not enough prey for them unless you want to start paying ranchers for their lost cattle
    • Gokuhunter, on 02/22/2008, -0/+1Ummm actually the oil companies can't cut or drill on that land because the majority is is protected national parks. Of course if you got out of your Prius long enough to look around you'd have figured that out by now.
      • mranthrope13, on 02/24/2008, -0/+0If they're just in national parks, what are all the ranchers bitching about?
        • kberry67, on 02/26/2008, -0/+0national parks aren't fenced in, if you can keep them just in the national parks that'd be great, but if they stroll onto someones land they should be able to shoot them.
    • wolfsongo, on 06/04/2008, -0/+0Thank you for your comment sOurce....Yes, I so agree with you.

      Why can't more people understand this. What is WRONG with them.
      They are more blood thirsty then the wolves could ever dream of.

      The wolves are merely in survival mode....humans need to be a little bit smarter..do you not think...and re locate them..not the wolves fault..they were relocated to PRODUCE..DUH....
  • alwaysthere, on 02/22/2008, -0/+1Despite what they try to tell you, wolves were not wiped out of the western mountain states. I have seen them in Oregon & Idaho before the "re-introduction". The old wolves were elusive and afraid of humans even if they were in packs. Unfortunately, when they "re-introduced" wolves to the area the fools transplanted the more aggressive Canada Gray Wolf into the area. Since then I haven't seen any of the old wolves up in the mountains because they have been displaced. The new wolves are dangerous to humans because they aren't shy like what we used to have. These new packs have decimated herds of elk, frequently leaving dozens of them dead but not eaten. In the last few years I have stumbled across numerous elk and deer who were run down and killed by wolves then left to rot.

    Around here the new mantra is if you see wolves Shoot, Shovel & Shut up. The nature fakers are so proud of their accomplishment but they've caused far more harm than good.

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