This month, the Journal of Mammalogy published a collection of articles criticizing the current structure of lethal control of predators, including wolves. The number of carnivores killed annually is staggering. Nearly 69,000 coyotes and 400 wolves are among the predators that are documented in the 2015 kill report from Wildlife Services.
The focus on controlling apex predators with lethal methods is not only damaging and affecting ecosystem health, it is also ineffective at preventing livestock losses and ethically indefensible when there are proven strategies for management that are much more compassionate.
The public’s opinion about lethal management of predators is also declining, and the scientific evidence shows that stabilizing the populations of wolves, bears, and other apex predators will promote ecological health. It’s time to end the violence.
For more information on the topic, and the articles referenced for this post, check out: