Letters To The Editor

Letter: People are more valuable than wolves

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Dear Editor:
I need to tell you a tale: A few years back the Forest Service allowed wolves on the White River Forest, near Craig, as evidently a test. Having traveled to our cabin, on Lynx Creek, to visit family, my brother told me about the wolves and said they wouldn’t hurt anyone. I said, “Not until they get hungry!” My sister-in-law said, “Sandy, these wolves were raised by people, they won’t hurt anyone!” I…

2 Comments

  1. Allen Tompkins
    December 10, 2017 at 8:57 pm

    “Evidence from a few recent cases of humans being bitten during wild wolf encounters indicates these animals may have been fed by people, thereby losing their natural fear of humans and associating humans with food. In other cases, people may have been injured while trying to break up a fight between their dog and a wolf. In North America, where there are about 60,000 wolves, there has been only two fatalities apparently caused by wolves. It is believed that these fatalities were the result of habituated or sick wolves. Injuries from wolves have also been extremely rare in North America. By comparison, domestic dogs in the United States are responsible for 4.7 million bites, resulting in 500,000-800,000 hospital visits and 20 – 30 fatalities per year.
    in this country 1,500 to 1,800 people drown, and 800 to 875 die in boating accidents.
    Records at the International Hunter Education Association show that during one six-year period 265 people died in hunting accidents.
    The National Canine Research Council reported 41 confirmed or potential fatal dog attacks in 2014 and 32 verified fatalities in 2013.

  2. Lilly Stewart
    December 11, 2017 at 1:49 pm

    I wanted to mention I appreciate Allen’s comment, as it shows the absurdity of fearing for your life when it comes to wolves. In addition, I wanted to clarify some things…
    Sandra, the Forest Service does not “allow” wolves, that situation is controlled typically by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. In addition, the safety of people and of livestock is always taken into consideration, no matter how unfortunate it may be on either side. This is done to avoid backlash from the public but also taking the well being of the species into account. You complain about having wolves in our area however, they are responsible for maintaining the elk and deer populations which is much needed. If you don’t like the wolves…go to the city.

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