CRITTERS: Gone to the wolves

Where have all the critters gone? I have been in the woods for years, hunting and fishing, noting the decline in all small animals. I haven't seen a rabbit, beaver, raccoon, skunk for years. I saw a couple of red foxes while in a tree stand. They were romping along, jumping up and down, poking their noses in gopher holes and went on their way. Two minutes later two wolves trailed them. I told your friend, Jim Hayden, "Dead meat!" His word!

Our fathers knew that in order to sustain elk and deer hunting, the wolves would have to go. A $50 bounty was placed on them. Game and small critters began to flourish once more. Then the Canadian Gray Wolf was introduced. Now we're back where we were 70 years ago.

As far as the wolf people are concerned the wolves are being shot so they don't suffer. Mink, fox, beaver and other animals are trapped for fur coats. Rats and mice are trapped and suffer. So why don't you feel sorry for them? Mickey Mouse was a hero.

There are enough bears and cougars to take care of weak and old elk and deer. A predator can smell a birth or death a mile away. If you don't think a wolf will harm you, go out in the woods without a weapon overnight. Good luck! Wolf lovers, Bambies don't like wolves or you!

WILFRED SCHNEBERGER

Coeur d'Alene