Great Letters to the Editor

Writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper is an excellent way to raise awareness about the plight of the Mexican gray and call on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to make the changes needed for wolves to recover. It shows public officials that you support the reintroduction program and expect that they will, too.

Huge howls of thanks go to the authors of the letters to the editor below.

Letter: Agency must act to save desert wolves
Albuquerque Journal, 11/26/14

THANK YOU FOR covering the recently filed lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to impel them to develop a science-based recovery plan to save our desert lobos from extinction. The Endangered Species Act mandates that the FWS develops recovery plans for such critically threatened wildlife and the FWS still hasn’t done so for our desert wolves.

Only 83 Mexican wolves remain in the wild in the U.S., among them just five breeding pairs. Unless many more wolves are released from captivity, they are likely to decline and go extinct from inbreeding.

The U.S. government recovery team scientists agree that, in order to survive, lobos must have at least three linked populations. The first habitat is the Gila Wilderness/Forest area in New Mexico and Arizona. The habitats capable of supporting the two additional populations needed are the Grand Canyon and the northern New Mexico/southern Colorado areas. The FWS is ignoring the scientists’ recommendations by proposing a rule change that will not allow Mexican wolves into these key habitats.

The current recovery team has not met since 2011. In the meantime, lobos have continued to struggle to survive in the wild. How can a science-based plan be produced or implemented when the team isn’t meeting and draft recommendations are being suppressed?

My grandchildren and yours deserve a world rich in wildlife and places for them to roam. Who will speak for our grandchildren and for our wolves? Act now, contact your Sens. (Tom) Udall and (Martin) Heinrich and urge them to actively support wolf recovery and reintroduction, before it’s too late because extinction is forever.

NANCY SAVAGE
Albuquerque

Letter: Wolves have coexisted with livestock elsewhere
AZ Daily Sun 11/16/14

Thank you for your coverage of the wolf issues in our state. I am a longtime wolf supporter who began my interest and education regarding wolves as a school teacher sharing with my students the importance of balanced ecosystems. I have learned that the reintroduction of the Mexican gray wolf in Arizona provides the possibility of better ecosystems throughout our region and, with that, strengthening many species also clinging to survival.

The US Fish and Wildlife’s recovery plan should reflect research and a well-developed and long-term solution for the Mexican gray wolf. At present, they have not integrated research done by recovery team scientists and the recovery team has not met since 2011. Under the Endangered Species Act, the best available science is required for species such as the Mexican gray wolf. Surveys have shown throughout Arizona citizens place importance on the reintroduction of the wolf and support the efforts so far.

We can coexist with wolves. Responsible livestock owners are successfully using resources and tools in reintroduction areas. Public responses to recent sightings in northern Arizona of possible wolves affirm the interest and excitement that these animals create. Please support a complete and updated recovery plan for the Mexican gray wolf — your grandchildren will thank you!

KAY BORDWELL
Flagstaff, AZ

Letter: Save the Mexican gray wolf from extinction
Salt Lake Tribune, 11/9/14

There are only 83 Mexican gray wolves left in the wild. I think that makes them worth fighting for. I am 13 years old, and I want to help save the lobos of the Southwest.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service should designate reintroduced wild Mexican gray wolves as essential. We are the ones who came into their land, took away their freedom and just expected them to stand aside as their homes were either taken away or destroyed.

Fish and Wildlife should eliminate politically based boundaries to the Mexican wolf’s movement.

The proposed expanded provisions for take (killing, trapping and removals) of these critically endangered Mexican wolves are unacceptable and will not contribute to the species recovery. Recovery cannot exist in captivity alone.
I realize that most people think they are just animals, but I think they are much more than that. They are God’s creation. They are a part of His handiwork, and many people don’t care at all about their survival, although I don’t know why.

I urge all Americans to please help support these endangered animals.

FAITH KINDRED
Parker City, Ind.

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