How to Help Endangered Wolves

Concerned Citizens and Conservationists

• 1

  Responsibly travel to areas to view wolves in the wild. Infusing cash into local economies through wolf-oriented ecotourism improves the well-being of the residents and helps to offset some of their negativity toward wolves. In a 2006 report, economist John Duffield and his co-authors reported that $22.5 million in estimated annual visitor spending in the Greater Yellowstone area is attributable to the presence of wolves. Those taking vacations in the Mexican gray wolf recovery area help protect this subspecies by observing conditions, including reporting carcasses of livestock which may attract wolves to scavenge, thus putting them in close proximity to other livestock.

• 2

  Write letters to the editors of your local papers, as well as papers distributed in wolf recovery areas. These pages are often the most read parts of the paper, so this is an opportunity to help educate and inspire other readers, as well as policy makers, about the importance of wolves in the ecosystem. Time your letters with key events or issues, such as the annual quota-setting for wolf hunts in Idaho and Montana. Lobos of the Southwest (mexicanwolves.org), a collaborative effort of conservation groups, scientists and sportsmen to help save the Mexican gray wolf, provides a comprehensive list of management changes that would aid in this subspecies' recovery, one or all of which could be shared through an editorial. Where possible, mention public officials, agencies, or key decision-makers by name to flag the letter with their media liaison or communications team. Keep your letter to under 300 words and include your contact information.

• 3

  Write to elected officials to help voice your support for gray wolf recovery and protection. With the unprecedented move by Congress in 2011 to force the delisting of gray wolves in the Rocky Mountain states, it's clear that elected officials can and do play an active role in the future of wolves. Lobos of the Southwest provides a sample letter on their website. Personalize the letter to ensure the greatest impact. As with letters to the editor, time such letters with key events or issues.

• 4

  Shop for goods from certified Predator Friendly producers (predatorfriendly.org). Such stockgrowers have committed to using humane practices to keep their livestock safe without harming wildlife, in particular predators.

• 5

  Support organizations working to protect wolves, both with your time and donated funds.

Ranchers and Other Livestock Producers

• 6

  Minimize conflict with wolves by implementing predator deterrent practices. Utilize range riders, cowboys and herders to patrol pastures, frequently and unpredictably. Employ livestock guardian animals such as llamas, donkeys or dogs. These animals not only deter wolf predation, but also alert cowboys and herders when wolves are nearby. Remove dead animals promptly, and never compost carcasses near ranch headquarters or other livestock.

• 7

  Protect vulnerable animals with fencing or night pens. Implement fladry -- a string of closely space flags or flapping cloth tied to a wire (preferably electrified) -- which, according to New West magazine, has come as close as anything to a silver bullet for deterring wolves from killing livestock.

• 8

  Become a certified Predator Friendly producer (predatorfriendly.org), opening your product to new and sophisticated consumer markets.