Why Fish and Game Agencies Can’t Manage Predators – June 7, 2011

Persecution and Limited Acceptance of Predators’ Ecological Role is Still the Dominant Attitude

In the past month or so, helicopters with gunners skimmed over the Alaskan tundra and forests shooting wolves to "protect" caribou herds. In Nevada, the state fish and game agency wants to kill more mountain lions to increase mule deer numbers. In Idaho, the state wildlife officials want to kill more than a hundred wolves in the Lolo Pass area to benefit elk.

Photo by Alan VernonAlaskan Coastal Brown bear near Hyder, Alaska.Predators like bears, wolves, and
mountain lions help reduce herbivore numbers which in turn reduces overgrazing.

Without exception, state game and fish agencies do not treat predators like other wildlife. Even though state… more

by: George Wuerthner

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