The Debate Rages On...

So, the debate about hunting the grey wolves came up again. Originally hunted to near extinction. This hunting caused the elk populations of Yellowstone to become too large and sickly. The over abundance of elk caused problems for the ecosystem. The federal government worked hard in the mid 90's to restore wolf packs to places like Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.

Now that the wolf populations have increased, ranchers blame wolves for damage to livestock. Therefore we need to cut the population of wolves. Right?

Wolves have lived in this area long before 'modern' man came in with his cattle. We came in with 'domesticated' animals that are slow and stupid - therefore making them easy prey. Ranchers are losing money because animals are falling 'victim' to wolves (and coyotes). So who is right? The ranchers because the damage is done to THEIR livestock? Or the wolves because the ranchers are idiots that put the livestock in THEIR territory? We feel threatened when these animals come into what we consider 'our' space. Do we ever consider that the animals feel the same way? Honestly, do we ever think about how this is going to effect anyone other then us?

Who is right? The debate rages on...