WOLVES: They were here first

Wolves are in the scope of hunters just two years after being removed from the Endangered Species List. The delisting of wolves has been premature on the part of the federal government and now their lives are in the hands of the Fish and Game Department. The Fish and Game Department is now responsible for the management and conservation of these animals and instead of developing a sound management plan they have opened up a hunting season in order to reduce the wolf population.

Pressures from hunters and ranchers have led the department to allow the killing of more than 200 wolves in Idaho to appease ranchers' and hunters' special interests. Rather than look at alternative solutions to wolf predation the Fish and Game Department seeks the shortsighted vision of eliminating wolves by any means necessary. Not only are wolves being hunted as trophies, but the Fish and Game Department has also allowed the use of lethal traps which have shown to be barbaric in their use. Both lethal traps and aerial hunting are practices that are inhumane and therefore should be outlawed.

Scientists, biologists, and ecologists have proven that wolves are a necessary part of a balanced and healthy ecosystem. Wolves are not only good for the habitats that they live in but also deserve the respect and reverence that all wildlife deserves. These majestic animals were here long before humans, and it is humans who have encroached upon the wolves' habitat and livelihood.

RON STEPCHUK

Spokane