The B.C. government has recently declared open season on wolves in the Cariboo region of the province’s Interior to benefit cattle ranchers.
Under new wildlife regulations, there is no closed season and no bag limit on hunting and trapping wolves in the Cariboo region, which ranges to 100 Mile House, Williams Lake, Quesnel and the Chilcotin. This means wolves can be killed even when their pups are with them!
The changes also allow the unlimited trapping of wolves on private land with leg-hold traps.
Wolves are a keystone species, making them an essential part of our ecosystem. We must strive for co-existence. Please voice your concern over this irresponsible unlimited wolf kill.
Write to:
Hon. Steve Thomson
BC Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
Room 248
Parliament Buildings
Victoria, BC
V8V 1X4
FLNR.Minister@gov.bc.ca
Please also CC your comments to Premier Christy Clark at premier@gov.bc.ca
SAMPLE LETTER:
Dear Minister Thomson and Premier Clark,
I am absolutely outraged that the BC Government has sanctioned the year-round killing of wolves in the Cariboo region of BC, an area that covers one third of our province! The fact that wolves can now be killed anytime, anywhere, and without limits – even when wolf pups are nursing – is completely irresponsible.
Furthermore, according to reports, there is not one scientific study to justify this war on wolves. What’s worse is that these animals are a keystone species and their survival is essential to maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Regarding the handful of farmers and ranchers who may be concerned about predator attacks on their livestock, the government should be promoting non-lethal alternatives for prevention. This includes using guardian animals such as llamas, donkeys and scheduling pasture use when predation pressure is low. Farmers should also be encouraged to graze cattle with smaller animals, frequently patrol their pastures and protect vulnerable animals by fencing out predators.
Before killing everything in sight, we need to consider long-term solutions to predator control through public education, outreach, collaborations with partner organizations, and by adopting strict bylaws to reduce attractants.
I believe trapping and hunting is cruel and I urge you to end the wolf kill immediately.
I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
YOUR NAME
For more information read:
B.C. declares open season on wolves in ranch country, Vancouver Sun.
Anecdotal evidence not good enough to justify wolf kill, Vancouver Sun.
