3-19 IAT Wolf Controversy

 Our AgInformation Network reporter, Lacy Gray recently reported that “A series of meetings being conducted by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to address wolf management have been attended by hundreds of northeast Washington ranchers who are concerned that the rights of wolves are being put above their rights to protect their livelihoods. “

 No matter when you do a story on wolves, you get reactions… Often equal and opposite. The example will come in the form of 2 separate e-mails to us. 1st from one listener: There again appears to be much misinformation floating around, wolves will not place the livelihood of cattle at risk.  Livestock losses in other wolf states have not demonstrated such a risk. Responsible cattlemen need to step up and take responsibility for their animals instead of just turning them loose on public land in the spring and collecting them in the fall. Now from another listener: Ranchers would like to take responsibility for their animals and shoot the wolves that choose to pray on their cattle instead of chase wild game.  A sow Bear is allowed to kill a wolf that threatens her cubs... it's part of nature, one protecting ones own interests.  Why can't man, who is also a part of the eco-system, be allowed to protect what is his on private or leased land.

 Two diametrically opposed positions on the same subject. Now I’m going to weigh in. I agree with listener number 2… Control wolves.