Pair of wolves - REUTERS
Call or email Governor Dayton and ask that he veto any bill that allows for a hunting, trapping, or snaring season on Minnesota’s wolves
Wolf Delisted from the Endangered Species List
The legislature, with the support of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), is passing bills that would open up a trophy hunting and trapping season on the wolf.
The wolf was placed on the Endangered Species list in 1974 when Minnesota was the only one of the lower 48 states to retain a population, consisting of somewhere between 350-700 wolves. Recent surveys indicate that the population has now stabilized at about 3,000. However, the wolf is still faced with threats from the spread of parvo-virus, Lyme disease, encroaching development, extensive mineral exploration in wolf habitat, and increased crossing of habitat by ATV trails.
Wolf predation affects less than 2% of farms. In the past, Federal agents were able to kill wolves predating on livestock. Non-lethal methods have also been studied, including the use of fences, guard dogs, proper disposal of livestock carcasses, and keeping livestock enclosed during birthing.
People living near wolf habitat must also take care with pets, keeping them in at night and providing them with safe enclosures when outside.
Save Our Sky Blue Waters opposes opening a wolf hunting & trapping season in Minnesota. The DNR had originally proposed placing the wolf on a 5 year monitoring plan upon removal as an Endangered Species, before initiating any hunting or trapping season. The DNR is now going back on its own word.
The wolf is an icon of the great north woods of Minnesota, as well as an important part of the balance of nature. To hunt or trap wolves for sport is an ineffective way to stop predation by a few problem wolves. Hunting and trapping of wolves also puts other species such as lynx, as well as pets, at risk.
ACTION - Call the Governor’s office in opposition to a hunting/trapping season on wolves. Request that the DNR educate the public on non-lethal methods to stop predation.
Please phone the Governor at 651-201-3400 or 800-657-3717
To leave a message for Governor Dayton, complete the webform at:
http://mn.gov/governor/contact-us/form/
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Howling For Wolves
You can sign Howling For Wolves petition Here
URGENT: Governor Dayton can veto the wolf hunt from the game and fish bill as a line item veto. As of April 25, 2012 the wolf hunt is quickly moving through its final stage in conference committee. The proposed amendment for a five year wait as per the original wolf management plan did not pass.
Please contact the Governor's office with a personal phone call or send a personal email. You may also send our letter. Found HERE
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MinnPost
Minnesota's wolves: Dead or alive?
By Elanne Palcich | 04/23/12
Already the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the state Legislature have plans to open a sport hunting and trapping season on the wolf.
CHISHOLM, Minn. — The ink to delist the gray wolf from the endangered species list has barely dried on the paper. Already the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the state Legislature have plans to open a sport hunting and trapping season on the wolf. The DNR is backtracking on earlier promises to keep wolves on a five year watch list after removal from endangered designation.
Continued HERE
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Thursday Apr. 26th, 2012
Reader Articles
The Taking of Wolves: Who’s Calling the Shots?
Minnesota’s wolves were just removed from the Federal Endangered Species list, and are already under attack. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is backtracking on earlier promises to keep wolves on a five-year watch list after removal from endangered designation, and now wants to open a wolf hunting and trapping season as early as November. Why the big rush?
Continued in the Reader HERE
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Snares and traps set for wolves unintentionally kill other animals, such as the lynx
This wolf was snared in the Superior National Forest of Minnesota
