Offering a different perspective of the predators at the center of a controversial “WOLF HUNT’...
B E
WOLF
“I believe it is because of the presence of the great predators that makes our wilderness experiences most satisfying.”
Robert Scriba Did You Know?
The governments have bowed to pressure from ranchers and hunting lobby groups to reduce the numbers of wolves to protect elk and cattle herds.
Despite numerous studies that reveal the vital importance of apex predators to the health of the whole ecosystem the hunt has begun. The Idaho government is even using airplanes to hunt down and shoot wolves.
HUNT BY ROBERT SCRIBA WOLVESOF YELLOWSTONE & JACKSON HOLE
We took off to Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, looking for wolves, and we found them! I have always believed that gray wolves are the top predators on this North American continent. I often argue about this status to myself as well as smarter people and it often ends up as a tug of war between the grizzly, polar bears, cougars and wolves.
There are of course many smaller predators who are efficient and deadly predators also such as any members of the weasel (Mustelids), shrews, lynx, coyotes, predatory birds and vicious insects of all types, most of whom we discount because of their lack of size or perceived threat to ourselves, our pets or livestock.
There is mysticism about wolves, a great misunderstanding and fear, even, because of what we don't really understand about their values and way of life. Everyone who wanders around the wildness of this great continent does so with a heightened awareness and keener senses in the hopes of, or of not, encountering wolves, bears or wild cats, and escaping with life and limb intact. I believe it is because of the presence of the great predators that makes our wilderness experiences most satisfying.
If there was no chance of an encounter with an apex predator, our senses would not be challenged and the wilds would no longer be wild and we would be forever civilized.
Last spring, I took some very civilized people, from one of the worlds largest most densely populated cities, to try to find wolves. The wolves were their main reason for traveling for hours by plane and car. All the other stuff you see while traveling is nice, but just give us wolves. We spent time watching pronghorn antelope, herds of bison and elk, birds, spectacular scenery, culture, history, beautiful hotels and great food, but it became a successful trip after we spotted our first grey wolf.
THE
KNOWLEDGE
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