Due to protections, Wolf population numbers are improving in many areas of the world today. This is great news because the ecosystem is much healthier with wolves!
Wolf predation of cattle is actually not a major issue. For example, less than a quarter of one percent, 0.23%, of the American cattle inventory was lost to native carnivores and dogs in 2010, according to a Department of Agriculture report. https://wildearthguardians.org/historical-archive/livestock-losses/
This is an endangered Red Wolf, native to the southeastern United States. There is great news- Legal Victory Secures New Recovery Plan for Endangered Red Wolves: https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/legal-victory-secures-new-recovery-plan-endangered-red-wolves-2020-10-05/
“A wolf pack snoozing in the snow after dinner.”
Even in areas with larger wolf populations like the Northern Rockies, wolf depredation on livestock still accounts for less than one percent of all livestock losses. https://defenders.org/gray-wolf/fact-vs-fiction
Ranchers actually lose money because they mistreat their animals. “About 5 percent of the average beef carcass is discarded at slaughter because it’s bruised from rough handling when the animal was alive.” https://ensia.com/features/predators/
Many Montana ranchers have begun practicing a gentle technique that helps grizzlies, wolves, and cattle coexist together. Areas that implemented the program have had only one wolf kill since 2013. Range riding is also shown to make cattle healthier & happier. https://ensia.com/features/predators/
The govt should reimburse ranchers for any animals taken and continue to allow wolves to live. Wolves greatly improve the health of the ecosystem: https://kimcampion.com/animals/how-wolves-healed-yellowstone-national-park/
Wolves are shy and prefer to stay far away from humans; wolf attacks on humans are incredibly rare- there have been only 2 cases of fatal wolf attacks in all of North American history. http://www.timberwolfinformation.org/wolf-attacks-teen-in-minnesota-how-rare-are-wolf-attacks-on-humans/
Trapping of wolves and other animals is inhumane and must be banned. They can die long painful deaths from dehydration, hypothermia, and blood loss often from attempting to chew their own limb off. Trapping is also disruptive to the ecosystem at large. https://wildearthguardians.org/wildlife-conservation/end-cruel-trapping/
Wolves hunt diseased animals and those weakened by age or other infirmity. This keeps the prey population healthy and in balance. Wolves do not hunt baby animals, that is extremely rare and occurs because the young animal is sick or genetically compromised. https://www.livingwithwolves.org/how-wolves-hunt/
Deer and other ungulate hunting must be better regulated and in some places, banned. Bring back wolves- they do way better job keeping population healthy. Wolves weed out the sick & weak.
Wolves kill their prey quickly with a bite to the throat. Sometimes they are unable to but the pack always masterfully coordinates attacks so they end quickly as possible. https://animalcorner.org/animals/wolves/
“Seven years ago this lady rescued, raised and released this pack of wolves! They are so excited to see her…”
Wolves are wild animals and should never be kept as pets or bred to make hybrids. Wolves who can’t return to the wild should be cared for by licensed sanctuaries and rehabilitators. https://www.fws.gov/midwest/wolf/aboutwolves/nwf-hybrids.htm
Wolves are keystone species, meaning they are essential to the health and functioning of the ecosystem. When wolves were reintroduced in Yellowstone National Park, they actually healed the ecosystem and even the land’s damaged physical geography! https://kimcampion.com/animals/how-wolves-healed-yellowstone-national-park/
Wolves are magnificent creatures and they keep Nature healthy. We need them. People in every part of the world are working to bring the Wolf back to their original habitats. And they are succeeding.
For example, look at how well Italy has done repopulating their lands with the Wolf.
The future is looking bright for the Wolf!
Sources:
wolf howl video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhQGo2IdA9s