Post by muskyhusky on Oct 19, 2008 0:31:09 GMT -6
Before Europeans settled North America, gray wolves inhabited areas from the southern swamps to the northern tundra, from coast to coast. They existed wherever there was an adequate food supply. However, people overharvested wolf prey species (e.g., elk, bison and deer), transformed wolf habitat into farms and towns and persistently killed wolves. As the continent was settled, wolves declined in numbers and became more restricted in range. Today, the majority of wolves in North America live in remote regions of Canada and Alaska. In the lower 48 states, wolves exist in forests and mountainous regions in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico, North Dakota, and possibly in Oregon, Utah and South Dakota.
Grey Wolf Distribution Map (2008)
Current Status
The timber wolf is listed as a threatened species in Wisconsin by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [exit DNR] (2003) and as a threatened species by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (1999). Fines and a possible prison sentence await anyone convicted of killing a wolf. About 354 wolves existed in Wisconsin so far in 2003.
Misconceptions and Controversies
Wolves are the "bad guys" of fable, myth, and folklore. The "big bad wolf" fears portrayed in Little Red Riding Hood, Peter and the Wolf, and other tales have their roots in the experiences and stories of medieval Europe. Wolves were portrayed as vile, demented, immoral beasts. These powerful negative attitudes and misconceptions about wolves have persisted through time, perpetuated by stories, films and word-of-mouth, even when few Americans will ever have the opportunity to encounter a wolf.
Wolves are controversial because they are large predators. Farmers are concerned about wolves preying on their livestock. In northern Wisconsin, about 17 cases of wolf depredation occur per year, about half are on livestock and half on dogs. As the population continues to increase, slight increases in depredation are likely to occur. In Minnesota, with over 2600 wolves, there are usually 60 to 100 cases per year.
A few hunters continue to kill wolves, believing that such actions will help the deer herd. It is important to place in perspective the impact of wolves feeding on deer. Each wolf kills about 18 deer per year. Multiply this by the number of wolves found in Wisconsin in recent years (330), and approximately 5940 deer may be consumed by wolves annually. This appears as a fairly low when compared to over 40,000 deer hit by cars each year, and about 450,000 deer shot annually by hunters.
Research and Management
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has been studying wolves since 1979 by live capturing, attaching radio collars, and monitoring movements. Much has been learned about wolf ecology in northern Wisconsin. In 1992 the Department began a research project to determine the impact of highway development in northwest Wisconsin on wolves. Recently, a Geographic Information System, (computer mapping system) was used to determine that northern Wisconsin has about 6000 square miles of habitat that could support 300-500 wolves. These research findings will help biologist manage wolves in Wisconsin well into the future.
The Department of Natural Resources recognizes wolves as native wildlife species that are of value to natural ecosystems and benefit biological diversity of Wisconsin. The Department approved a Wolf Recovery Plan in 1989. The Plan's goal of 80 wolves was first achieved in 1995. This goal was achieved mainly through protection and public education programs, and did not require any active reintroductions into the state. Wolves were reclassified to Threatened in Wisconsin in 1999. In 1999 the Wisconsin DNR approved a new wolf management plan for the state that set a state delisting goal at 250 and management goal at 350, outside of Indian reservations. After state and federal delisting occur, the landowners will be able to control some problem wolves on their own land.
What You Can Do
The future of wolves in Wisconsin is improving and there are many ways people can help. Since 1995, the Wisconsin DNR has had a volunteer tracking program of people who help track wolves in the state. Opportunity to learn about and teach others about wolves are available through the Timber Wolf Alliance in Ashland and the Timber Wolf information Network in Waupaca. People are encouraged to contributions to the Endangered Resources Fund on the Wisconsin Income Tax Form, purchases of Endangered Resources License plates, and support of private groups that promote sound wolf management. Some people have even bought radio collars for wolves at about $300 and received the privilege of nicknaming the wolf that received the collar. Contributions by the Wisconsin Audubon Council, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation and Wisconsin taxpayers have helped make this publication possible.
Grey Wolf Distribution Map (2008)
Current Status
The timber wolf is listed as a threatened species in Wisconsin by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service [exit DNR] (2003) and as a threatened species by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (1999). Fines and a possible prison sentence await anyone convicted of killing a wolf. About 354 wolves existed in Wisconsin so far in 2003.
Misconceptions and Controversies
Wolves are the "bad guys" of fable, myth, and folklore. The "big bad wolf" fears portrayed in Little Red Riding Hood, Peter and the Wolf, and other tales have their roots in the experiences and stories of medieval Europe. Wolves were portrayed as vile, demented, immoral beasts. These powerful negative attitudes and misconceptions about wolves have persisted through time, perpetuated by stories, films and word-of-mouth, even when few Americans will ever have the opportunity to encounter a wolf.
Wolves are controversial because they are large predators. Farmers are concerned about wolves preying on their livestock. In northern Wisconsin, about 17 cases of wolf depredation occur per year, about half are on livestock and half on dogs. As the population continues to increase, slight increases in depredation are likely to occur. In Minnesota, with over 2600 wolves, there are usually 60 to 100 cases per year.
A few hunters continue to kill wolves, believing that such actions will help the deer herd. It is important to place in perspective the impact of wolves feeding on deer. Each wolf kills about 18 deer per year. Multiply this by the number of wolves found in Wisconsin in recent years (330), and approximately 5940 deer may be consumed by wolves annually. This appears as a fairly low when compared to over 40,000 deer hit by cars each year, and about 450,000 deer shot annually by hunters.
Research and Management
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has been studying wolves since 1979 by live capturing, attaching radio collars, and monitoring movements. Much has been learned about wolf ecology in northern Wisconsin. In 1992 the Department began a research project to determine the impact of highway development in northwest Wisconsin on wolves. Recently, a Geographic Information System, (computer mapping system) was used to determine that northern Wisconsin has about 6000 square miles of habitat that could support 300-500 wolves. These research findings will help biologist manage wolves in Wisconsin well into the future.
The Department of Natural Resources recognizes wolves as native wildlife species that are of value to natural ecosystems and benefit biological diversity of Wisconsin. The Department approved a Wolf Recovery Plan in 1989. The Plan's goal of 80 wolves was first achieved in 1995. This goal was achieved mainly through protection and public education programs, and did not require any active reintroductions into the state. Wolves were reclassified to Threatened in Wisconsin in 1999. In 1999 the Wisconsin DNR approved a new wolf management plan for the state that set a state delisting goal at 250 and management goal at 350, outside of Indian reservations. After state and federal delisting occur, the landowners will be able to control some problem wolves on their own land.
What You Can Do
The future of wolves in Wisconsin is improving and there are many ways people can help. Since 1995, the Wisconsin DNR has had a volunteer tracking program of people who help track wolves in the state. Opportunity to learn about and teach others about wolves are available through the Timber Wolf Alliance in Ashland and the Timber Wolf information Network in Waupaca. People are encouraged to contributions to the Endangered Resources Fund on the Wisconsin Income Tax Form, purchases of Endangered Resources License plates, and support of private groups that promote sound wolf management. Some people have even bought radio collars for wolves at about $300 and received the privilege of nicknaming the wolf that received the collar. Contributions by the Wisconsin Audubon Council, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation and Wisconsin taxpayers have helped make this publication possible.
