The reason it’s so hard to give a concise answer to this question is that the best response is another question – why don’t they matter?
When wolves are removed from an ecosystem – and be sure it is never a quick or humane removal – the ecosystem collapses. In the case of Yellowstone National Park, measurable changes in species ranging from elk down to certain varieties of plant life have been seen since the wolves were reintroduced. In one popular discussion, it is even show that the reintroduction of the wolves to the park has changed the flow of rivers.
Video: How Wolves Change Rivers
These beautiful, sentient families, however, aren’t seen for who they really are. Around the world, wolves are persecuted, hated, feared, and slaughtered, every day. Right here in Canada, two government-sponsored culls are being conducted in desperate, Hail Mary political plays.
And that’s why wolf week matters.
Defender Radio Special Report: Wolf Week
There are many initiatives across North America that aim to protect wolves through public education and advocacy. This week – wolf week – there are multiple events being hosted in Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton.
Vancouver Island and Vancouver
Tuesday, Oct. 13
Wolves of British Columbia with Gary “The Wolf Man” Allan
G.P. Vanier Secondary School, Courtney, BC
Details at WolfAwarenessInc.org
Thursday, Oct. 15
Wolves of British Columbia with Gary “The Wolf Man” Allan
Craigflower Elementary School, Victoria, BC
Details at WolfAwarenessInc.org
Friday, Oct. 16
2015 Living With Wildlife Conference
Featuring Wilderness Committee’s Gwen Barlee, and Raincoast Conservation Foundation’s Dr. Heather Bryan in Vancouver
Details at thefurbearers.com/events
Calgary
Friday, Oct. 16
Wolves: A Story To Tell
John Dutton Theatre
Details at WolfAwarenessInc.org
Edmonton
Saturday, Oct. 17
Wolves: A Story To Tell
Noorish Conscious Eatery
Details at WolfAwarenessInc.org
Please spend some time this week talking about wolves – telling your friends, family, neighbours, or co-workers why they matter; join us at our Living With Wildlife conference, or find a wolf week event near you; share this post or the How Wolves Change Rivers video. Please, find a way to be a part of a Canada where wolves always matter.
Work like our growing Living With Wildlife campaign is only possible with the support of monthly donors. Please consider become a monthly donor – for as little as $5 a month – and help us create a Canada that is truly humane.
