Wolves vs Ranchers. The Ultimate Showdown.
Well, it’s happening yet again. The same old story since the West was filled by farmers and ranchers. Last week we talked about the reintroduction of Grizzilies to places like the Northern Cascades and the impact on that environment and those people who spend time in those backcountry parts.
Today we talk about a very, yet maybe different topic. Wolves. Specifically the re-introduction of wolves and the uproar it causes among ranchers, those seeking out a living the old way.
This has been a hot topic the last few years, and most recently Colorado Ranchers’ efforts, including all legal means, have not been enough for them to stop the reintroduction of wolves.
As someone myself who’s run across wolves in the wilds (of Minnesota) I do have less reason to side with the ranchers on this one, BUT, I have had the opportunity to talk to locals in places where wolves were reintroduced and are making a comeback … and it’s CLEAR they have no love lost for the wolves, mostly due to complaints of major declines in populations of other animals who are wolve food, for example, moose.
The ranchers of Colorado in their legal proceedings brought up …
- damage to livestock
- damage to other animals like grouse
- impact on outdoor activities and tourism
Pretty weak arguments, but again, I think we can have sympathy for people who live in the land where the wolves would roam, I’m sure some aspects of life might get harder, especially if your livelihood depends on it.
It’s one thing to sit from afar on your cozy armchair, it’s another to be someone who lives, works, and recreates in these areas. I’ve personally talked to locals who are adamant they’ve seen a serious drop in moose and deer populations due to the wolves, although that is purely anecdotal.
What do you think?
Should wolves be reintroduced into places where ranchers live and work? Should the needs of the few outweigh the overwhelming support for wolves coming back into our ecosystems?
Personally, I think wolves are beautiful and wonderful creatures, worthy to have around. At the same time, I don’t blindly run off into the sunset thinking that the powers that be should reintroduce wolves into any ecosystem without plans in place to CONTROL that population. Otherwise, things will eventually go sideways.
Why?
Because these landscapes are different from what they were 300 hundred years ago whether you like it or not. I also don’t want deer and moose populations to plummet like has happened in other areas where wolves have been running rampant without any good control plans.
Minnesota themselves have admitted, including wildlife biologists, that Moose face an uphill battle there in part because of the impact wolves have on the moose calves.
What’s the answer?
It’s clear that the answer is that wolves are coming back and will be reintroduced into more areas as time goes on, it seems that’s the way things are going and have been going for some time. It’s also clear that the same groups who push for the reintroduction of wolves are not ready for some of the long-term impacts those wolf populations have on other animals in that ecosystem.
It’s clear that in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem, wolves have made a positive impact. But, it’s also silly to think that every other area is going to be just like Yellowstone, that isn’t the case, Yellowstone is unique and there are very few places like it.
The answer is that wolves will probably win. Ranchers are going to have to figure out how to live and work cattle in the context of having wolves, just like there are bears. Is it the end of the battle? Far from it.
