For the week of May 15 - 21, 2002

Can we live with wolves?

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In Idaho, the debate over wolves re-ignites every time a problem wolf appears. Wolf haters cry for eradication and wolf lovers cry for mercy.

In the middle of the angst, the Wood River Valley lives in close proximity to other predators and dangerous wildlife. Yet, calls for eradication are rare.

More than 20,000 people occupy the area. Cougars, bears, bobcats, coyotes, foxes and moose roam side canyons and parts of the valley floor. Wolves will arrive soon.

Cougars periodically feast on a wandering Fluffy or Fido, but more often on elk or deer. Bobcats are the bane of chicken coops. Foxes are known to favor tabbies.

Bears know garbage pickup schedules better than most people. They think nothing of lumbering through yards or campsites, and can make themselves a nuisance if they find goodies during a break-in.

Packs of coyotes are famous for trying to lure fat and sassy dogs to their demise.

Moose regulate use of ski trails and winter roads. Every winter warnings go out about moose that may stomp first and flee later—and residents take heed.

Residents have adapted.

A moose sighting means the trail won’t be traveled today. Family pets and poultry are kept close or in secure pens.

Residents know cougars are capable of attacking humans, though no attacks have occurred here. Hikers, bikers and horseback riders stay alert. Some carry repellents or small guns to avoid too-close encounters of the predator kind.

Problem predators are trapped and removed, or destroyed.

Can people live with wolves? The Wood River Valley experience says we can.

 

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.