Wolf Hunt

Earlier this year, protections were lifted on the gray wolf (they were considered extremely endangered just thirty years ago, in the 1970s). These protections were lifted because the wolf population made a great comeback UNDER the protection of the Endangered Species Act. And the comeback was noticeable. Wolves were pouncing on many of the rancher's sheep, cattle, and other animals for a little snack (; and this obviously disturbed the ranchers. Also, hunters complained that the wolves were devastating game (most importantly elk). So, when the protections were lifted, Montana and Idaho hurried to approve wolf hunting seasons. There was a cap on 75 wolves for Montana and 220 for Idaho, but even with these caps I think hunters should be careful when hunting wolves. Even though they have made a comeback, they can easily slip back into endangerment. Although the population of wolves has made a remarkable comeback, that doesn't necessarily justify the hunting of wolves. Environmental scientists claim that the population is not yet at a sustainable level, putting the wolves at harm for endangerment again.

And the wolf isn't just there to kill. They perform critical jobs in the ecosystem that help it thrive. If wolves didn't exist, then smaller animals would thrive more and eat more plants and reproduce more and more would survive and then they would kill more plants and etc.. it would get very out of hand. The wolf is necessary to keep these in check.

I can see why people are angered at the wolf because it kills animals and game, but they also serve a function that shouldn't be ignored. I see how the hunting season for wolves are necessary (because of the killing of livestock), but I think the protections shouldn't be lifted until the wolf population is sustained and healthy.