Wolves in the American west can be a complex and often controversial topic, especially out here in California wihere the gray wolf was hunted to extinction in the state during the early 1900s.
Recently, wolves have made headlines again in the Golden State. After being eliminated from existence in California. Miraculously wolves migrated southward from Oregon and have begun repopulating in the northern part of California. In Shasta county. which is in the north part of the state County officials have declared a state of emergency due to the killing of some cattle by wolves this move is seen largely as political as the county is asking the California Department of Fish and wildlife to begin euthanizing wolves.
The gray wolf symbolizes much that is wild and free about the west. What amazes me is that after all these years we have not figured out how to live in harmony with nature. Are we not the species with the big brains. Humans are the only animal on the planet who can help other species in struggle.
Is this the best we can do? Shoot them.
I am impressed by the ingenuity and creativity of my species. Galileo built his own telescope and from the surface of the earth he was able to discern planetary motion. Info these humble beginnings we have a robust Space excavate exploration program.
I realize that some readers may judge me as an animal rights person when in actuality I am not. In my youth I was an avid Hunter and killed many animals with which I fed my family. Additionally I worked many years in the East Coast commercial fishing industry and as such have personally slaughtered thousands of fish. So I am not opposed to the taking of wildlife. However, I am definitely opposed to killing animals that are struggling to survive. Especially when that struggle was induced by humans.
Before we start with killing these animals can we please be sure we have exhausted all opportunities to coexist?
Perhaps we should consider that the end-user of the meat may have to pay the actual price it takes to bring that meat do your table. It seems to me that the actual purchase price should be higher to capture the costs I've herd management.
Where I live dairy ranchers keep their cattle secured indoors in a barn is this not feasible?
Also these ranches provide shade structures for the cattle to be under in order to escape the blistering heat of the California Sun. The structures of gates on them and can be used to contain the cattle would it not be possible to put cattle in the structures at night and post a guard to defend against wolf attack.
Can we please stop with the fear mongering. One person was quoted saying this was not just about cattle it's also about public safety. When the reality is they have been no documented incidents human fatality via a wolf in California.
Additionally any increase in cost incurred by the last of cattle or to increase the safety of cattle these costs should be passed onto the end-user. People should have to pay the actual cost of the ribeye and filet mignon. We humans also need to determine how large the population of wolves can sustainably grow to. This determination she not be made based on emotion or profit margin. Only then after we agreed upon a population threshold and when we have exhausted all other means of protecting the cattle only then should we kill a wolf. Keep in mind no animal has gone extinct under regulated hunting.
Scott mcMorrow
Inverness, CA
Editor
Rats!! I was unable to attend the recent “Hate America” riot . I had to watch the dogs. But what folks that did attend told me it was peaceful, friendly, and almost everyone had a good time. Lots of smiles. Fun and the first amendment were the theme of the day. Looks like Trump, Miller, and Voght are trying to wipe out both those things like they smashed the WhiteHouse. So glad they did not ask George Washington.
On item that concerns me is the indiscriminate blasting of recreational boaters. Those poor folks are out enjoying an evening of boating and star gazing and Trump brings the wrath of God down on them (as opposed to forgiveness). Now, to the point. It seems we should serve the same to the Wall St fancy pants cocaine users that create the demand. Also, Purdue Pharma and the associated family that pushed opioids and poisoned thousands of Americans for years. Oh, heck those creeps wear suits and did pay a fine. But despite all those deaths no one in that, still billionaire family, went to the slammer.
Don McKechnie
Sierraville, Sparks, under a beautiful autumn sky.
