Since 1973, gray wolves have been on the endangered species list, a list of fish, wildlife and plants whose existence is threatened.
But U.S. ranchers claim the wolf population is now large enough to sustain hunting and these ranchers were able to convince members of Congress to put a provision in the federal budget bill that took the wolves off the endangered species list.
According to reports, that action has paved the way for wolf hunts this fall. Hunting season on the wolf is now open in Montana and Idaho. Montana will grant licenses for hunters to kill 220 out of about 600 wolves. Idaho has 1,000 wolves and will allow hunting until the population drops to 150.
Although some cattle ranchers might be pleased, people like Doug Smith, a lifelong lover of wolves who presides over their reintroduction to Yellowstone for the National Park Service, are angry.
"They want to shoot hundreds of wolves through a private hunting scheme that would decimate the pack structure and really change the dynamics of the wolves' success," he said.
Reports say Snape's organization, the Center for Biological Diversity, is one of many suing to undo the unprecedented relaxation of the Endangered Species Act by an act of Congress. It might very well end up in the Supreme Court.
Would you like to know what other animals are the endangered species list? Check out this link: http://1.usa.gov/pmnztM
Quotes
"His cows were not where he left them, in the summer pasture high in the mountains above his homestead. It was a mystery. But he had a prime suspect in mind from the get-go." -Miles O'Brien, science correspondent.
"Wolves and livestock don't mix. And it's just -- you know, maybe they will keep their nose clean for a short while, but sooner or later, the problem is going to occur." -Martin Davis, rancher.
Warm Up Questions
1. What does the word 'predator' mean? Name a few animals you would classify as predators.
2. What does the word 'prey' mean? Name a few animals you would classify as prey.
3. What is an endangered species? Make a list of animals you believe are endangered.
Discussion Questions
1. Why does the U.S. government have an endangered species list?
2. Do you think grey wolves should remain on the endangered species list? Why or why not.
3. What animals are endangered in your state?
Additional Resources
Tracking the Return of the Gray Wolf
Washington Inmates Help Protect Endangered Frog, Prison Budget
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2011/08/human-sewage-identified-as-coral-killer.html
