If there is one North American animal that symbolizes irrational fear, it is the gray wolf. Despite the number of encounters being less than a handful, at any minute, we are told, these denizens of Satan sit waiting on the yard edge, fangs dripping and waiting to steal our children and devour our shih tzu's. Amy Klobuchar has for some reason made ending federal protection a goal; this perhaps best shows the utter uselessness in her five years of service. Congressman Cravaack, of New Hampshire also sent out a press release shouting we were all now safe from the endless onslaught of bloodthirsty canines. In both cases, they mentioned livestock, "pets" and residents. I want to know why residents are now safer, despite there not being a single historical record of an attack in Minnesota? Ever. According to the Klobuchar press release, "In 2010, the Department of Agriculture removed 192 problem wolves that
were responsible for the deaths of nearly 100 cows and sheep and 15
dogs". I want to know how 192 wolves were found to be responsible for the death of a lousy 115 animals; I also wish to know how many more animals were killed by cars, transported diseases and simple human stupidity. For Cravaack, as an ignorant out of state republican ( I know it's redundant), it is to be expected. But for Klobuchar, I can only assume it is pandering to the idiot redneck backwoods hick crowd, or some lunatic leftover Ely relative who coached her into this. We are all safe now...from nothing.
3 comments:
You have to be kidding. Is there anyone else in MN's society you wish to label as utterly stupid. I live on a lake in the National Forest. I hear wolves quite a bit, and see them from time to time. I saw 3 travel across the lake just this last Tuesday morning. My belief: I like wolves. However, the scientists have determined the population is well beyond the sustainable rate. They have been known to attack and kill livestock and dogs (I have a family dog I have to watch when she's outside). I believe wolves are getting to familiar with humans, almost fearless. A little fear of humans would be a good thing. Take them off the endangered list but monitor their population, then adjust. End of story.
To continue the thread:
You actually haven't made an argument. First, you and others are saying that we are to "control" a species simply because of a small number of pet attacks; in short, alter an entire ecosystem simply because of a few, often not proven, cases of pet killing. I will remind you that more pets are killed by cars or shooting than wolf kills, yet you do not argue for road alteration, speed limits or warning devices. You have also chosen to live in a forested area, yet you want subsidized control over all other natural forces, from fire protection, which costs millions that you never pay, to predators. Are we also supposed to control Blastomycosis in the soil? Wasps? Coyotes? Fishers? The same arguments are true for livestock. The essence of your and all other arguments for "control" is simply that the world is made for us, and only our wishes, no matter how deluded or selfish, matter. You have chosen to live in a forest; yet you want all other species controlled because your single pet should be valued above all other species. You also have us subsidizing the privilege of your roads, your fire protection and your emergency services despite your never meeting the true cost. Perhaps someone never told you this, but the world is not made for you, or for us. Perhaps someone, such as your parents, never told you you are not the only creature in the world and your "wants" aren't the only thing that exist in the universe. Also, as a field biologist and a native of northeastern Minnesota who grew up literally walking through the woods to friends and relatives, there is no danger to humans; the only animal that has ever truly threatened me here is Homo sapiens idioticus.
The white tail deer population is unsustainable. With any reduction of the wolf population, its imbalance will worsen. Controlling your pet is an obligation and responsibility you owe to your pet and to the public. I have had many encounters with wolves and have never felt threatened.
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