Wolf Reintroduction in Vermont

1. Wolf Reintroduction in Vermont The Facts

2. What are these predators like? Male wolves weigh on the average of 90 pounds but can range up to 130 pounds and females generally weigh less. They can run 35 miles per hour and jump about 12 feet. They live in packs ranging from eight to 35 members and like maned and red wolves, mate for life. Their life span is eight to 12 years. The wolf's jaw can exert 1,500 pounds of pressure per square inch, twice that of a German shepherd; wolves can crush large bones in just a few bites.

3. The Wolf Pack Wolves live in family groups called packs. A pack is usually made up of a male parent, a female parent, their pups and a few other adult wolves who are the older brothers and sisters. The pack works together to hunt for food and to take care of the pups. Some members stay with the pack for life.

4. More Facts about the Wolf POPULATION: There are an estimated 7,000 to 9,000 wolves in Alaska and more than 3,500 in the lower 48 states. Around the world there are an estimated 200,000 in some 57 countries, compared to up to 2 million in earlier times. LIFESPAN:Wolves live eight to 12 years. FOOD: Wolves normally prey on large hoofed mammals such as deer and elk but occasionally prey on smaller animals such as beavers or rabbits.

5. Why did wolves become extinct? Our society got rid of predatory animals in favor of agriculture and settlement. The last wolves were actually killed by the U.S. Biological Survey, which is the agency that transformed itself into the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that is now responsible for wolf restoration!

6. How wolves survive in the wild! If you're in your pack's territory, you have a family to help defend you, to care for you, to share food with you! There's extreme loyalty among family members. The howl keeps them connected to the pack and family to protect them.

7. The ecosystem without wolves! Big winter die-outs of some animals because of age and sickness. No predators to control this. Vegetation is used by non-reproductive animals. Coyotes become widespread.

8. Why should wolves be reintroduced? People began to recognize the importance of the wolf in the ecosystem. Deer and elk are magnificent creatures because of the honing effect of predators like the wolf. More carcasses available for scavengers.

9. What happened when wolves were reintroduced at Yellowstone? Wolves killed sheep and livestock. Coyotes spent time closer to humans to avoid wolves. The animals that coyotes preyed on increased in number (smaller weasels and foxes for instance).

10. Ed Bangs of the National Fish and Wildlife Service says: On average, wolves kill four or five sheep and livestock a year. Wolves pose some threat to humans' domesticated animals. There is not a single documented case of a human being killed by a healthy wild wolf. Wolf reintroduction requires a balancing act among ranchers and conservationists.

11. The positive side of Vermont wolf reintroduction! Natural ecosystem with balance might be reestablished according to environmentalists. Coyote population might be decreased. More carcasses available to feed scavengers.

12. The negative side of Vermont wolf reintroduction! Livestock, sheep, and domesticate animals could be killed. Human activities in the wilderness would be effected. Economic losses for farmers and ranches. Difficulty replacing animals that might be killed. Psychological impact on people as they are forced to live in fear for their safety as well as their animals� safety.

13. Introducing a world of fear! No food for pets or garbage can be left outside. No pets can be left outside unattended as they are easy targets for wolves. If pets are left unattended, they should be in a kennel with a secure top. Motion sensors around your house may help keep wolves away. If camping out, food must be stored away from sleeping areas.

14. Wolves do attack humans! A young man was killed by wolves in Canada nearly a year ago and there have been several real attacks on people in the past several years. Wolves have even been coming into communities. The psychological harm to the families and children is the worst.

15. Prohibition against the reintroduction of wolves into Vermont H.670 ? 4834. INTRODUCTION OF WOLVES(a) The general assembly finds that wolf introduction into the northeast, especially Vermont, is an extreme wildlife management technique, and that the responsibilities and problems that may result from wolf introduction will fall on local residents. Therefore, the general assembly hereby prohibits anyone, including the federal government, from introducing wolves into Vermont.

16. My Personal Opinion After having researched the topic thoroughly and weighed all of the pros and cons for wolf reintroduction within the state of Vermont, I fully support the Prohibition against the reintroduction of wolves into Vermont H.670. It is my duty as a lawyer within this marvelous state to put the welfare of Vermonters above the wishes of environmentalists throughout the country.