Breaking: New Public Records Expose Idaho’s War on Wolves

 

 

Dear Terry,  Idaho’s extermination of wolves is threatening the entire Yellowstone and Northern Rockies wolf recovery effort.   The state of Idaho proudly boasts the greatest percentage of contiguous national forest land in the northern Rockies of the continental United States. Nearly 40% of its total area is dedicated to national forest public land totaling almost 21 million acres (about the area of Kentucky). This makes Idaho one of the most important states for biodiversity protection in the nation, which is why wolves were restored in Idaho as part of the Yellowstone/Northern Rockies wolf reintroduction program. However, alarming new information obtained from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game sheds light on the state’s hidden war on wolves.   A note of warning: the information we share below is deeply disturbing. If you prefer, you can skip reading this by clicking here to sign the petition to protect wolves, if desired you can also add your comments.

 

 

 

Recently obtained public records reveal numerous wolves being left dying in traps longer than the three day required check period, pregnant wolf mothers killed while their unborn pups were removed presumably for bounty, and even newborn pups being crushed or poisoned. Many wolves were found with injuries including shattered teeth from struggling to free themselves, fractured feet, and missing limbs. Others were found with festering wounds from snares still embedded in their necks. No other protected species is allowed to be managed in this way. Nontarget animals maimed or killed in wolf traps and snares included wolverine, fisher, mountain lions, bobcats, and even pet dogs.

 

This is happening RIGHT NOW in our national forests: public land that belongs to all of us. In 2009, Idaho agreed to manage wolves as a valued game species according to their delisting plan with the federal government. What is happening is not fair chase hunting. This is brutal and inexcusable persecution. The Biden Administration must uphold their promise to stop this ruthless destruction of the northern Rockies wolf population by providing emergency protection and holding the state to reasonable standards in their management of this essential species.   Please join us in asking Secretary Haaland to end this nightmare today by signing an emergency listing for wolves in the US northern Rockies. It is completely within her power and responsibility to save the wolf reintroduction effort paid for and supported by the American public.

 

For the Wild Ones,

 

Suzanne Asha Stone Executive Director International Wildlife Coexistence Network