From: jonr@bigsky.dillon.mt.us (Jon Robinson)
Subject: Re: Possible return of gray wolf to Yellowstone National Park, U.S.A.
Organization: Big Sky Telegraph
Date: Thu, 05 Nov 1992 23:55:53 GMT
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.1 PL6]

David W Archer (darcher@IASTATE.EDU) wrote:
>I think the main objection to wolves being reintroduced to
>Yellowstone National Park has been overlooked in this discussion.
>The people who are objecting to reintrodution, are for the most
>part people who live near the park.  They could care less about the
>people who visit the park and are eaten by wild animals, however
>they are concerned with what the wolves do when they wander out of
>the park.
>
>I believe that the biggest objections arise from rancher's concerns
>about the safety of their livestock.  Whether or not these are legitimate
>is another issue.  I just wanted to clear up some misconceptions
>about this discussion.
>
>Dave

Well, I as some of you may have figured out from my address, I live is
southwestern Montana just a stones throw from Yellowstone Park.  I can
tell you that most definately that Dave is right in his explanation of
the debate.  The ranchers and most Montanans feel (IMO) that if you
go hiking in a park and get eaten by either a grizzly or a wolf, then
that is your own fault.  They also would prefer that the animals not
be killed afterwards but realize the necessity of controlling animals
that have gotten a "taste for humans".  On, the other hand, if an
animal comes on to their land and destroys their "livelihood" then
they want who ever reintroduced the damage causer to be held
responsible.

Let me put it this way.  What if I proposed to reintroduce the wolf to
the eastern United States.  In particular I'd like to put a couple
packs in your office building.  Now, you might say "oh, no!  They will
knock my computer off my desk, devour coworkers and otherwise make it
difficult for me to make a living, thereby causing my family to suffer
due to my lack of income."  Likewise, if there was a way to insure
that the wolves did indeed stay in Yellowstone park than the ranchers
around here would not object.  However, wolves tend to roam over a
wide area, and a well fed, domesticated cow is a much more promising
target than a speedy deer.  It is the lack of planning as to how to
respond to roaming wolves that the debate rages over.  So far I've
heard three proposals. One, build a big wolf proof fence around the
park.  Two, follow the Montana Bison Plan which states that any bison
which steps out of the park is subject to being shot by hunters who
have been drawn at random, or by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks
officials.  Finally, three, kill the wolves only after a kill has been
made, and reimburse the rancher for the full value of the animal
killed; if the animal is breed stock this could be as much as 10 cows
at market value.  All these plans would be expensive to administer and
maintain.  Which plan to follow and whether it is worth it to the
American Tax Payers, who will ultimately have to pay the costs, are
the real questions.

-Jon
-- 
Jon Robinson @ Big Sky Telegraph, Western Montana College of the UM
INTERNET: jonr@bigsky.dillon.mt.us / VOICE:406-6837870 / FAX:406-6837493
"Sometimes yes, sometimes no.  The staff usually forgets." - Fletch