Wolves & Ranches

I went to a very interesting meeting this afternoon. Called by ranchers on the topic of wolves. Wolves spotted on nearby ranches.

I mentioned in an earlier blog post that wolves was something on my radar. Something I needed to learn more about. I’m learning. I don’t know nearly enough.

What I do know is that there was a ballot item voted on by the entire state of Colorado to release wolves. Release them near the area I now live in. The item won by a very narrow margin. Less than a 51-49 spread with only the big cities showing their support.

Source

What I’ve learned. It’s not much in the great wonderland of wolf knowledge, but it’s my start. 

• A brief search and general search usually pulls up pro-wolf information first. You have to do some digging to find the real issues for the Ranchers on the ground. 
• Wolves are huge animals. Several of the 10 released here are over 100 lbs. 
• Because they are huge, they can be distinguished by paw prints and bite marks. 
• Wolves may travel 20-30 miles a day.
• Wolves are pack hunters and can take down game that is much larger. If you are interested, then there are lots of videos of wolves taking down prey. 
• The released wolves are collared but tracking is not constant and only a select few know where the wolves are when they are pinged. 
• Wolves were released in area Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) area 9. The Fish and Cross Ranch is in area 10. Just a short 20 miles away.
• Shoot a wolf in Colorado and you can be fined up to $100,000, spend time in jail, and lose your hunting privileges. 

Things I want to learn more about.

• The entire state gets to vote on something that only really affects a small area and industry. This makes no sense. 
• There are certain compensations for wolves killing livestock. Up to $15,000. The up to is concerning. What are the parameters for this? What kinds of animals are considered for this reimbursement? What’s the process? How long does it take?
• Why was there not a viable plan in place to notify ranchers when the wolves were in close proximity to livestock? This doesn’t even address wolves being close to our children and grandchildren. 
• Game wardens lack of knowledge of wolf location. How are they supposed to help if they have no idea where the wolves are?
• Impact of reintroduction in neighboring states.
• What is the history of each of the wolves? I’ve read that at least one has a history of depredation.
• Legal deterrents that ranchers can use to protect livestock.
• Number thresholds when moose, elk, and deer are then put on the endangered list.
• Delineation of duties between the CPW and the US Fish and Wildlife.
• List of key people and events with contact information to publicize.

Right now my head is swimming with questions. One thing I now about research is that answers usually raise more questions.