Science, management will create diversity

In regards to the article about George Wuethner’s presentation given in Coeur d’Alene on predator ecology. I attended the presentation in Sandpoint the night before and what I thought was going to be an educational lecture was rather a night filled with condescending remarks toward hunters and ranchers, skillful use of outdated data, and a supposed “expert” comparing two completely different ecosystems — Minnesota and the Northern Rocky Mountains —  as proof of some theory of his.

His credibility continued to wane with me as he explained how the wolf would benefit wolverines. He claims the elk winter higher and in deeper snows causing some to die of exhaustion therefore feeding wolverines, which do spend their time at higher altitude.

Is there anyone on the planet that believes the elk are wintering higher? To the contrary, herds are staying lower, and in many places year round, and yes the herds in agricultural areas have showed an increase due in part to this phenomenon.

I would like to point out to Mr. Wuethner, the North American model of wildlife conservation is the world’s most successful and hunters have been the conservationists that moved this plan forward for decades. It brought species such as the white-tailed deer, wild turkey, elk and others from an uncertain future and made them plentiful all across the nation.

With sound science and active management  we have all enjoyed a great diversity of wildlife for many years. If this is to continue the wolf needs to be managed.

ROB PATUTO

Sandpoint