Disney-like view of wolves not correct

Regarding the guest opinion of a Marty Stitsel of Sandpoint in the Bee 03/23/10:

Mr. Stitsel, whatever his place of origin, has an unusual view toward wolves, which may be more akin to a Disney cartoon than to reality.

Though he maintains these rampaging packs of vicious dogs rarely attack adult, healthy big game animals, the truth is absolutely contrary. Any guide or outfitter, in the field every day of every season, in every corner of Idaho, will attest to the shocking devastation wrought by these destructive marauders.

Mr. Stitsel’s assertion that wolf populations, if left unchecked, will not explode, is also patently false. The explosion has already occurred, and the culling of some 200 wolves in Idaho this year will not even slow their proliferation.

Those who do not witness the carnage often state that wolves are “only doing what comes naturally.” The same is true of a polio or flu virus, and yet, the better logic of man has determined that co-existence of us with them brings only needless painfull loss.

Despite the distant and very soft view of Mr. Stitsel, the championing of the proliferation of packs of savagely vicious dogs is repulsive to many, and completely offensive to all who hunt or make our livings in these mountains.

TERRY LAMB

Sagle