A dozen years ago, two family members and I were able to visit Yellowstone National Park. It was June and not surprisingly, travel around the park was slow and congested... people stopped and exited their cars to see the bison lounging at the side of the road, showing little respect for the huge wild animals they are. At the time, I wondered what the park visitors were thinking? Now I see that same attitude, the same ignorance and naivete, permeating the conservation groups who have managed to restore the Gray Wolf's endangered species status.
The arguments made to support and protect the wolf included: the cattle inventory showed a decline of only 0.23% in 2010...lethal methods to stop the wolves have impacted other species...and, perhaps the most specious proposal, other non-lethal methods such as fence flags, guard animals, and range riders could be used. Non-sensical or not, these one-sided arguments unfortunately swayed the appropriate authorities.
Success of a one-sided argument seems bad enough, but antagonism to the other side has made it worse. As has been witnessed with recent events in Northern California, the imbalance within the law makes it difficult to impossible for ranchers to protect their property and save their livelihood; while the “hands tied” element of the law leaves all of us at risk.
That said, I find it reassuring that Sheriff Fisher and others are doing what they can. What they can do, however, needs to be expanded and we need those living in “safe spaces” to quit interfering with our lives…. and, perhaps the government of California should reimburse the ranchers for their losses.
Karen Steingrebe
Sierra Brooks
