Comments on: Wolf Reintroduction, a Gloriously Shining Idea Gone Tragically Wrong http://www.ridingtoursblog.com/2007/08/14/wolf-reintroduction-a-gloriously-shining-idea-gone-tragically-wrong/ Horseback Riding Vacations and Equestrian Instruction Worldwide Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:53:08 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: alison http://www.ridingtoursblog.com/2007/08/14/wolf-reintroduction-a-gloriously-shining-idea-gone-tragically-wrong/#comment-489 alison Mon, 27 Aug 2007 02:32:15 +0000 http://www.ridingtoursblog.com/2007/08/14/wolf-reintroduction-a-gloriously-shining-idea-gone-tragically-wrong/#comment-489 The fact that one SEES a much reduced number of elk and deer does not constitute reliable evidence of a population decline. The predominant effect of predator introduction in the Yellowstone area has been a change in herbivore behavior, such that they no longer frequent the more open and vulnerable areas, instead remaining more hidden. There has also had the effect of allowing the regrowth of aspens, which had formerly been eaten as seedlings by ungulate browsers. Indeed, the reestablishment of aspens, in the areas where they were formerly abundant, has been directly attributed to the reintroduction of the wolf and the consequent restriction of deer/elk herds to areas with more mature trees where they are better protected from wolves. Of course, as a lodge owner, I'm sure you would like your guests to see lots of attractive wildlife. That is in your self-interest. This is a VASTLY more complex issue, however, than who should survive: wolves or deer, as the implications on reforestation illustrate. There is impact on all populations within the ecological niche, including rabbits, owls, voles, elk, etc., as well as plants, including grasses as well as aspen. People on all sides are far too easily swayed by superficialities; reality is more complicated and experience has shown that THE LESS DONE BY HUMANS THE BETTER. Reintroduction of the wolf is simply an attempt to undo mistakes of the past. Unfortunately, it can come at a cost to those whose lives have developed in the absence of wolves, including dude ranch owners and guests. That doesn't mean it is a mistake. The fact that one SEES a much reduced number of elk and deer does not constitute reliable evidence of a population decline. The predominant effect of predator introduction in the Yellowstone area has been a change in herbivore behavior, such that they no longer frequent the more open and vulnerable areas, instead remaining more hidden. There has also had the effect of allowing the regrowth of aspens, which had formerly been eaten as seedlings by ungulate browsers. Indeed, the reestablishment of aspens, in the areas where they were formerly abundant, has been directly attributed to the reintroduction of the wolf and the consequent restriction of deer/elk herds to areas with more mature trees where they are better protected from wolves.

Of course, as a lodge owner, I’m sure you would like your guests to see lots of attractive wildlife. That is in your self-interest. This is a VASTLY more complex issue, however, than who should survive: wolves or deer, as the implications on reforestation illustrate. There is impact on all populations within the ecological niche, including rabbits, owls, voles, elk, etc., as well as plants, including grasses as well as aspen.

People on all sides are far too easily swayed by superficialities; reality is more complicated and experience has shown that THE LESS DONE BY HUMANS THE BETTER. Reintroduction of the wolf is simply an attempt to undo mistakes of the past. Unfortunately, it can come at a cost to those whose lives have developed in the absence of wolves, including dude ranch owners and guests. That doesn’t mean it is a mistake.

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