Wolves and elk

[Deerslayer]

Interesting article, it appears that wolves can diiminish an elk population by more than just eating elk.

Greater Yellowstone Elk Suffer Worse Nutrition And Lower Birth Rates Due To Wolves (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090717121424.htm)

[Greybeard]

Interesting article. Proportionate to the elk numbers decline, the bison in the park have increased numbers. Apparently the wolves like elk better (easier prey?) and bison less. Bison are grazers so the remaining grasses etc. are thus less abundant/available for elk. This would be in addition to wolf avoidance stress on the elk.

Wolves have now appeared regularily in Oregon (swam across the Snake R. from Idaho) and probably are now established in NE Oregon. But the Fish and Wildlife Dept. hides these facts because this would add fuel to the arguement that wolves are no longer threatened under the Endangered Species Act. That is, there now are additional established populations in new locations making extinction even less likely. It is likely they will show up here on the east side of Mt. Hood in several years and in my backyard some winter. I do not cherish this. Greybeard/

[Wild_Bill_Hiccup]

Although my litte elk-infested hidey holes have thus far remained devoid of those kill-for-fun, tick riddin vermin, I can honestly report that some areas of Idaho and Montana have been utterly devastated by the howlin' masses. The moose population has been hit even harder. Very sad. I've seen areas with once magnificent herds of game reduced to nill. I cannot even put my feelings to words... and I'm supposed to be a writer! :(

Now, before any of you start to howlin'at me.... I have nothing against the wolf. Hell, I like the species very much. That said, there is a time and place for everything and everyone. Once the natural balance is knocked out of order, there MUST be a means of taking things back to the middle---or a balance. Hunting is of course the answer, but getting the right legislation passed to truly make a difference may prove brain-numbing. This is exactly the argument all of us in the 'hunt game' put forth during the early days of the 're-introduction' process.... but, as most of you know... our words were mostly left unheard/concerns unsatisfied and we are now facing what we all KNEW we would. Inept management from our Govt. So very sad.

[Rock Chuck]

...This is exactly the argument all of us in the 'hunt game' put forth during the early days of the 're-introduction' process.... but, as most of you know... our words were mostly left unheard/concerns unsatisfied and we are now facing what we all KNEW we would. Inept management from our Govt. So very sad.

There's nothing inept about it. It's been planned this way since day 1, 20 years ago. The antis said in writing that their long range plan was to use large predators to reduce game numbers to unhuntable levels. It took them a long time to get their people in positions of power in the USFWS and other agencies, but when they did, they were ready to go with their plan. It's working, too. Idaho has had to reduce tag sales in some units because of falling elk numbers.

[Bushman]

It is not just the elk that have declined in Yellowstone, it is everything. I'm just back yesterday from a two week trip into NW Mt. with a side trip through Yellowstone. 2.2 million acres and aside from tourists and geysers, all we saw was a doe, her two fawns and a ground squirrel. What a stark contrast to the way it was when we went there years back.

[Wild_Bill_Hiccup]

There's nothing inept about it. It's been planned this way since day 1, 20 years ago. The antis said in writing that their long range plan was to use large predators to reduce game numbers to unhuntable levels...

Yep, I guess you are correct.