Dear wolf advocates,
Yesterday the US Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) released their decision to deny the petition to list all wolves in the lower 48 states as threatened. Their reasons for rejecting the petition was stated as,"the petition does not provide substantial scientific or commercial information to prove that gray wolves in the lower 48 are all one distinct population group".
We think this reasoning is hypocritical in that USFWS has used "distinct populations" definitions to delist wolves and remove protections. Of course we understand that you may be confused. The USFWS' decisions all point toward one direction--to remove federal protections for wolves and to rid themselves of their duties to protect them. USFWS knows that states' plans and activities do not recover wolves and instead harm wolves.
The current model of counting and killing wolves reduces their genetic diversity which appears to be the main goal of wolf "management." The USFWS has no scientific evidence to support their counting and killing charade that reduces the genetic diversity of wolves and thus harms their ability to survive. Even while protected the wolf is killed for the slightest of accusations. Oh how miserable we would all be if we were judged as harshly as the wolf.
But there is hope. We at Howling For Wolves have been active in Washington D.C., working to defend against the delisting of wolves by congress and we have found two valuable wolf champions. Two midwestern federal lawmakers have committed to being out front for the wolf and they will work on federal legislation to protect wolves.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) and Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) understand that wolves need protection and that states with wolf populations need to be prepared better for the next time wolves lose federal protections. They know that the states need better wolf plans and that states need active oversight by USFWS.
We understand if you are tired and thinking about taking a step back. Instead we say: rest up, take a break while congress takes a break. Then we will continue to make the noise that our new wolf champions need from us so that they can work for the wolf. Both Congresswoman McCollum and Senator Peters have made it clear that phone calls and letters to your lawmakers are absolutely necessary in order for them to persuade their colleagues to vote with them.
For now, we thank Congresswoman Betty McCollum and Senator Gary Peters for committing to help protect the wolf and we know that if you thank them, it will help to bolster their spirits for what will be quite a battle.
So as you celebrate independence day, think about how the wolf represents the freedom Americans value.
We appreciate all of your support and especially your actions that help us fight for the wolf.
#LiveAndLetHowl
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