Wolf Impacts, WA Wildlife

[bearpaw]

What impacts could wolves have on Caribou, Sheep, Goats, Columbia Whitetail and Humans?......This is what they put in the Draft Wolf Plan....Very interesting to read through the draft itself......

http://wdfw.wa.gov/wlm/diversty/soc/gray_wolf/rev_wolfplan_cleanaug0309.pdf

A few paragraphs taken from Pages 83 through 97.

Line 12, Page 91
As with livestock and ungulates, the extent of wolf-related impacts on non-prey species and ecosystems in Washington will depend on where and how many wolves eventually inhabit the state. Many of the ecological effects of wolves described in this chapter are likely density dependent, with less dense wolf populations creating fewer impacts than populations at carrying capacity (Campbell et al. 2006).

Moose
Numbers of moose in Washington increased from about 60 in 1972 to about 1,500-2,000 in 2007 (S. Zender and H. Ferguson, pers. comm. in WDFW 2008), corresponding to an average annual increase in population size of 9.6-10.5%. This growth is the result of greater moose density in prime habitats and colonization of animals into new areas. Moose primarily occur in Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Ferry counties (Figure 11). They are occasionally recorded in Chelan, Lincoln, Whitman, Okanogan, and Whatcom counties, with a few dispersing animals documented in more distant areas. A small colonizing population with about 20-30 animals is also present in the Blue Mountains (Figure 11; P. Wik, pers. comm.). Moose generally occurabove 3,000 feet in elevation (S. Zender, pers. comm.) and prefer dense thickets of willows and other hardwood shrubs that are frequently associated with 15-25-year-old clear cuts or thinnings on mesic sites (Base and Zender 2006). Forest successional conditions in northeastern Washington generally appear to be excellent for moose and will likely remain so over the next few decades, thus moose numbers are expected to continue at current levels or gradually increase for some time. Harvests are currently by permit only and have totaled about 90-100 animals annually in recent years (Base and Zender 2006; D. A. Martorello, unpubl. data). Moose occasionally become a nuisance or create problems for human safety, but agricultural damage has not been reported.

Bighorn Sheep
Washington’s population of bighorn sheep currently numbers about 1,500-1,600 animals distributed in 16 isolated herds distributed in the Cascades, northeastern Washington, and the Blue Mountains (Figure 12; WDFW 2007). Herd size averages about 95 sheep and ranges from about 10 to 275. Populations are stable to increasing in 13 herds and declining in three herds. The statewide population estimate is beneath the desired objective of 1,750-2,130 sheep, which is based on potential habitat capacity (WDFW 2008). Diseases and parasites from domestic sheep are the primary causes for decline (e.g., Fowler and Wik 2006), but many herds are also limited by habitat availability. Harvests are currently by permit only and have totaled about 20-25 animals annually in recent years (D. A. Martorello, unpubl. data).

Mountain Goats
Mountain goat populations have been declining in Washington for many years. Current numbers total about 2,400-3,200 animals, with nearly all populations located in the Cascade and Olympic Mountains (Figure 13; Martorello 2006; C. Rice, pers. comm.). A few populations appear to be stable or slightly increasing, including those in the southern Cascades, along the north shore of Lake Chelan, around Mt. Baker, in the Methow region, and in the Olympics. Historic overharvest, impacts of timber harvest on wintering habitat, degradation and loss of alpine meadows, and increasing human recreational use and disturbance of alpine habitat likely have had the greatest negative impacts on abundance. Hunting opportunity and total harvest have decreased with falling populations. Harvests are currently by permit only and total about 20 goats annually (D. A. Martorello, unpubl. data).

C. Wolves and Listed/Candidate Species
Gray wolves are likely to have few significant adverse impacts on any current federal or state listed (endangered, threatened, sensitive) or candidate species (see Appendix A) in Washington in the foreseeable future, with the possible exception of mountain caribou. Interactions with listed or candidate carnivores and birds of prey (i.e., grizzly bears, lynx, wolverines, fishers, bald eagles, and golden eagles) are briefly discussed in Sections A and B.

Mountain Caribou
Washington’s only population of mountain caribou, the Selkirk Mountains herd, spends most of its time in the British Columbia portion of its range, with members infrequently entering Washington. The herd increased from 33 caribou in 2004 to 46 caribou in 2009. Distribution in Washington is restricted primarily to the Salmo-Priest Wilderness Area in northeastern Pend Oreille County. The area is characterized by high elevations and extensive closed canopy forests, and therefore supports relatively low densities of other ungulate species. Hence, few wolves are expected to reside in the Salmo-Priest, meaning that predation on caribou would probably occur infrequently. Nevertheless, any wolf-related losses to the herd would have a significant impact on the population.

Recent declines of woodland caribou populations in British Columbia have been linked to the expansion of moose and the subsequent increase of wolves, which has resulted in greater predation on caribou (Wittmer et al. 2005, Stotyn et al. 2007). To reduce the threat of predation, woodland caribou attempt to isolate themselves from predators and other more abundant prey species by selecting old forests and alpine areas, and avoiding areas near roads during all seasons (Stotyn et al. 2007). However, loss of mature forests and fragmentation of winter habitat may compromise this strategy. Habitat overlap between caribou and wolves is greatest in the spring and calving season, resulting in increased risk of predation for caribou. Localized reductions of specific wolf packs and other large predators have been used to reduce the impact of predation on mountain caribou populations in the province (G. Mowat, pers. comm.), but regular use of this type of management may carry unacceptable ethical implications for the recovery of rare species in the United States (Wittmer et al. 2005).

Columbian White-Tailed Deer
In Washington, Columbian white-tailed deer occur along the lower Columbia River in Wahkiakum and Cowlitz counties (Figure 10). The population in Washington numbers about 600-800 animals and is generally located near human habitation. Predation levels on this subspecies by wolves are difficult to predict, but could potentially harm this deer’s recovery in the state.

A. Human Safety
Wild wolves generally fear people and rarely pose a threat to human safety. Attacks on humans by wolves are quite rare compared to those by other species. Since about 1950, wolves are known to have killed nine people in Europe (where current wolf numbers total about 10,000-20,000), eight in Russia (about 40,000 wolves), and possibly one in North America (about 60,000 wolves) (Linnell et al. 2002, Boitani 2003, NPS 2003, McNay 2007; P. Paquet, unpubl. data); injuries have also been extremely rare. Human deaths have also been reported in India, where conditions have deprived wolves of wild prey and livestock is heavily guarded (Fritts et al. 2003). By comparison, domestic dogs in the United States are responsible for 4.7 million bites resulting in 500,000-800,000 hospital visits and 15-20 fatalities per year (Sacks et al. 1996, Centers of Disease Control 2003). Dogs also are the single most important vector for the transmission of rabies to humans (Moore et al. 2000).

[NWBREW]

That was an interesting read;  thanks for posting that Bearpaw

[denali]

Mountain caribou  - "Localized reductions of specific wolf packs and other large predators have been used to reduce the impact of predation on mountain caribou populations in the province (G. Mowat, pers. comm.), but regular use of this type of management may carry unacceptable ethical implications for the recovery of rare species in the United States (Wittmer et al. 2005). "

I was hoping that the imminent threat to a species would bring some balance to the number of wolves in this State, but if i read the above paragraph correctly.... I would be wrong        seems to me the plight of the caribou needs more attention ,time and resources in Wash. and Idaho than the wolves?

[wolfbait]

Mountain caribou  - "Localized reductions of specific wolf packs and other large predators have been used to reduce the impact of predation on mountain caribou populations in the province (G. Mowat, pers. comm.), but regular use of this type of management may carry unacceptable ethical implications for the recovery of rare species in the United States (Wittmer et al. 2005). "

I was hoping that the imminent threat to a species would bring some balance to the number of wolves in this State, but if i read the above paragraph correctly.... I would be wrong        seems to me the plight of the caribou needs more attention ,time and resources in Wash. and Idaho than the wolves?

The wolf plan is the result of Defenders of Special Agendas, stacked with pro-wolf people, why would you expect anything else. The wolf is their main tool at this time and the WDFW are following along like sheep led to the slaughtering pens. This isn't a wolf plan, it is just another report lined with bias on how they will shove the wolves down our throats. Nothing will get in the way of the wolves, this has already been proven in the other states where game herds are being decimated and no control measures have been implemented.

[wolfbait]

Just a thought, But isn't there some way we could appeal their bias wolf plan? The imput people are stacked? The people who are writing the wolf plan will benifit from what they write it as. Conflict of interest?

[bearpaw]

The Draft Wolf Plan was put together by the WDFW Wolf Group and the Dept. The plan language is biased because the wolf working group was weighted heavily with pro-wolfers. If you read more pages than what I posted it is easy to see how they are manipulating people to think wolves will fit right in. "Defenders" is in so tight with WDFW that their links are on WDFW wolf pages and they are influencing the plan language.

The Plan will have to be adopted by the Wildlife Commission before it becomes law, thus the reason to write letters or messages to elected officials, civic leaders, and the wildlife commissioners now. Once the plan is adopted, then we are all stuck with the plan.

If anyone wants to try and make a difference, take 15 minutes and write an email message and send it to all the email addresses on this link:
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,31831.0.html

I doubt anything can be done once the plan is approved....

[Elkaholic daWg]

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/columns/Big-green-machine-feeds-off-you-8319805-62870832.html



Does it make you feel better to know you are paying for both sides? NOT me!

[wolfbait]

Quite the eye opener, dandy article Elkaholic daWg,,We are paying them to destroy our hunting,,,,among other things.......

[bearpaw]

Elkaholic daWg...thanks for the post, that is good information...

[carpsniperg2]

great read but my vote stil stands

NUKE THE WOLVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

[goat]

Mountain caribou  - "Localized reductions of specific wolf packs and other large predators have been used to reduce the impact of predation on mountain caribou populations in the province (G. Mowat, pers. comm.), but regular use of this type of management may carry unacceptable ethical implications for the recovery of rare species in the United States (Wittmer et al. 2005). "

I was hoping that the imminent threat to a species would bring some balance to the number of wolves in this State, but if i read the above paragraph correctly.... I would be wrong        seems to me the plight of the caribou needs more attention ,time and resources in Wash. and Idaho than the wolves?

The wolf plan is the result of Defenders of Special Agendas, stacked with pro-wolf people, why would you expect anything else. The wolf is their main tool at this time and the WDFW are following along like sheep led to the slaughtering pens. This isn't a wolf plan, it is just another report lined with bias on how they will shove the wolves down our throats. Nothing will get in the way of the wolves, this has already been proven in the other states where game herds are being decimated and no control measures have been implemented.

Negative evidence is not evidence.Please provide positive evidence in your premise not just outlandish claims.

[PolarBear]

[mulehunter]

LOL I need several of this sticker!

Mulehunter 

[wolfbait]

Mountain caribou  - "Localized reductions of specific wolf packs and other large predators have been used to reduce the impact of predation on mountain caribou populations in the province (G. Mowat, pers. comm.), but regular use of this type of management may carry unacceptable ethical implications for the recovery of rare species in the United States (Wittmer et al. 2005). "

I was hoping that the imminent threat to a species would bring some balance to the number of wolves in this State, but if i read the above paragraph correctly.... I would be wrong        seems to me the plight of the caribou needs more attention ,time and resources in Wash. and Idaho than the wolves?

The wolf plan is the result of Defenders of Special Agendas, stacked with pro-wolf people, why would you expect anything else. The wolf is their main tool at this time and the WDFW are following along like sheep led to the slaughtering pens. This isn't a wolf plan, it is just another report lined with bias on how they will shove the wolves down our throats. Nothing will get in the way of the wolves, this has already been proven in the other states where game herds are being decimated and no control measures have been implemented.

Negative evidence is not evidence.Please provide positive evidence in your premise not just outlandish claims.

Goat lets hear some of pro-wolf ideas? Tell us how many wolves Washington needs? Tell us How many deer 15 bp's will eat per month? Did Defnders of wildlife send you on here?? Thought so...

[Ray]

goat is not coming back.