Numerous studies dating back to the 1990s have shown conclusively that it was the extirpation of gray wolves from the now-protected area that led to a mass trophic cascade: the food chain was significantly disrupted by the removal of a top carnivore. Local fauna and wildlife alike were thrown into a tailspin that took years of planning and the reintroduction of wolves from which to recover.
Primarily due to the pressure of the hunting and ranching lobbies, Montana – a state that has a bloody history of government-sanctioned slaughtering –ignored the pleas of experts both in and out of the park.
According to a report from the Associated Press, park administrators pointed out that it would be likely the wolves killed originated from the park. The protest – just like the science – was thrown out by policy makers.
From history and science, we know what will come next. Wolves – intelligent, family-oriented and sentient – will be killed for sport. Packs will be disrupted throwing remaining members into disarray, leading to the potential starving of pups. We will then see the breakdown of ecosystems: increases in some animal populations, destruction of fauna, and finally, environmental chaos.
When we at The Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals ask you to join us, to sign petitions or to share our information, this is why. We have the science and the knowledge; we have the expertise and the history. What we need is your support and your voice. Join us in our fight to protect Canada’s wildlife so that we may never find ourselves in the shadow of death like those in Montana.
