Wolves

Larry L wrote:
I see wolves are to be removed from the endangered species list

http://tinyurl.com/28cwx5


Do you think its overdue?


Which brings up a questions I've had a few times when nobody was near to
ask. Why haven't I ever seen any of the typical warnings in park
handouts and trailhead signs that are commmon for bears, bison, even elk
.... for wolves?

Its very rare that wolves attack humans (very few documented attacks).
Even in the recent wolf pack encounters in Alaska (Eagle River and
Anchorage - 4 known packs in that area) the wolves have been after pets.
They mostly go after dogs, even on Emlendorf AFB, even on leashes.



I remember one time at Slough creek when the local pack was playing/resting
on a hillside above where I was fishing. They were a long distance away,
but it was still clear I wouldn't want to have them mad at me ... big teeth
g

Are wolves so man-shy they aren't a danger? or why do they escape being
pointed out in the warning literature? I once fished while parked at
exactly the same spot and when I returned to my truck a brand new set of
bear warning signs was posted around the parking lot. I noticed a ranger
up the road and asked about the situation and was told that a bear had
charged two anglers " a couple hours ago" near where I had been. It
seems odd that bears warrant two hour response time and wolves get no
mention whatever ?? !!

That's because bears will attack man (especially when around their
fishing grounds) while wolves don't.

Chip

"Chip Thomas" wrote


Do you think its overdue?




No ... I don't .... but then I don't know much about the overall situation.

Larry L ( Lack of knowledge seldom keeps me from forming opinions :-)

Larry L wrote:
"Chip Thomas" wrote

Do you think its overdue?



No ... I don't .... but then I don't know much about the overall situation.

Larry L ( Lack of knowledge seldom keeps me from forming opinions :-)



Lots of info available on wolves in Alaska. Google is your friend. 8^)

There was an article in the ADN recently listing many of the recent
encounters around Anchorage. It also had some info from the ADF&G with
their observations and opinions.

Larry L wrote:
"Chip Thomas" wrote


Do you think its overdue?




No ... I don't .... but then I don't know much about the overall situation.

Larry L ( Lack of knowledge seldom keeps me from forming opinions :-)



We have plenty of wolves around here. Probably the majority of people
are in favor of eradicating them, but there are a sizable number of
people who like having them around. I'm in the second camp. Whenever I
see one and it sees me it makes tracks. It's always a thrill to spot one.

I'm not at all afraid of them, but I keep my dogs close when I'm skiing
or fishing or whatever. I'm more afraid of my dogs eating the illegal
poisoned baits or getting caught in the traps that the anti-wolf crowd
puts out.

I think they have to be controlled. I'm in favor of culling wolves that
kill livestock and of compensating ranchers for losses. I'm not in favor
of sport hunting for wolves, nor am I in favor of sport hunting for
mountain lions, nor of bear baiting.

Despite the alarmist rhetoric of the anti-wolf lobby, the elk are doing
just fine. Elk hunting has become more difficult, though, because the
wolves keep them on the move. It's also said that the bulls don't bugle
as readily.

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