Science & Outdoors
A wolf and her pups.
Gray wolf prowls alone in WDNR debate
The Pointer
jtowl695@uwsp.edu
As of late, the gray wolf is becoming an increasingly publicized topic in Wisconsin. While the animal was once regarded as endangered, a rising population poses a threat to bear hunters, deer populations and farmers alike.
In 1999, it was decided by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources that 350 wolves acted as an appropriate figure to ensure their survival, while maintaining a safe distance from their being problematic. Since this agreement, the gray wolf population estimate has doubled. As a result the DNR has begun to consider a wolf season as a means of population control.
The highly debatable topic is “all about politics, not biology” said wildlife ecology professor Eric Anderson. While wolves play a key role in leveling deer populations naturally, their current numbers have resulted in unnecessary livestock deaths, as well as the deaths of dogs belonging to bear hunters. The DNR continues to pay out money for wolf damage and consequently, an open season seems to be an appropriate solution.
Professor Anderson recognizes the necessity of having to make reasonable sacrifices and from his perspective, “the controlled and restricted hunting of wolves” acts as such.
Conservation groups throughout the state agree, as livestock and dogs continue to fall prey to the no longer endangered animal.
On the other side of the issue, animal rights activists are appalled at the idea and have filed a lawsuit against the federal government for the removal of the gray wolf from the endangered list. While Sept. 29, 2008 marked their success with the re-listing of the wolf as a federal endangered animal, the legal battle once again witnessed the animal’s removal this spring.
If agreed upon, an open wolf season would not be put into effect for an estimated five years. The DNR provides bear hunters in particular with important information including precautionary measures. Their web site includes caution area maps which indicate places that have acted as sites for wolf damage. Bear hunters should steer clear of such locations.
For an animal to go from endangered to potentially-hunted is an uncomfortable transition. However, the DNR continues to exercise caution while weighing the options and is not expected to reach a definite decision for some time. Until they arrive at a consensus, the gray wolf thrives in the state of Wisconsin. The question remains...
