I give a huge thanks and acknowledgement to Jim and Jamie Dutcher for their informative, full-page ad clarifying the misunderstandings and lies about wolves. (If you missed this fabulous ad, it's on the back page of the Wagon Days special section, or, look online at the Mountain Express dated Wednesday, Aug 31.)
Thanks also to former U.S. Sen. John Tunney and his wife, Kathinka, for underwriting this ad. At least these elected politicians of Idaho have the intelligence to seek and learn the truth and value of wolves. (Gov. Butch Otter is obviously not in this category.)
I was sickened to read about the confrontation on the Carey ranch of John Peavey. After he had lost one calf recently, the "Wildlife Services" were summoned to come out and kill three wolves, thus destroying half of the family pack. Peavey had also lost four sheep to coyotes, so the "Wildlife Services" killed four coyotes as well.
What kind of solution is this? What do they plan to do, wipe out all the wild creatures? For goodness sake, reinforce the electric fences, double the number of guard dogs, incorporate the use of sound and lights. Use better and smarter alternatives.
When offered to be reimbursed for his loss, Peavey said, "That's not the point." OK, so what is the point? To kill all predators? And then what will be done to control the explosion of rabbits and voles and mice? (I suspect the agricultural farmers appreciate and depend upon predators!)
Trust in the balance of nature. (The elk herds have increased.) Stop the Salem witch hunt. Let go of the fear and hatred. Live and let live. Respect life. Learn about wolves. They are beautiful, intelligent, caring social animals devoted to their family. They are the ancestors of our dogs.
Leana Leach
Sun Valley
