ORIGINAL: BrutalAttack
to actually talk about the negatives if the numbers we are getting were anything remotely alarming.
The last numbers I saw (which was last year) was so rediculously low that the thought almost completely left my mind.
There was several studies done on this exact issue in Minnesota. The researchers found that the livestock losses were completely negligible (<1% IIRC), and were generally not just the products ofpredation but here were actually other factors involved like improper carcass disposal by ranchers, among other things.
Not only that but Wildlife Servies has authority to destroy any wolves seen predating
I'm only trying to lendsome reason to what is almost a purely emotional debate.
Tell the rancher that losses livestock that his loss is negligible and you will see just how emotional this can become.
How does a study done in minnesota have anything to do with Idaho? I think you would agree that the ecosystems are quite different. Am I mistaken or did Minnesota recently stock elk, and mountains?I think that it would be commonly accepted that the method of raising livestock in minnesota differs greatlyfrom those in mountainous regions. So I don't see the corelation.
I trust the word of hunters more than "scientist". I'm sorry but in my experience the former are more honest. Before you call me an imbecile let me inform you that I have a bachelor's degree in Animal Science, before going to graduate school in business. I seen enough to know that in science much like Accounting you can make the numbers say whatever you want them to. You and I both know that is true.Fish and game scientists always want to discount the information that Hunters can provide.I suppose they have an agenda and if the data doesn't suit them it is considered false.
For years in my home state of missouri the department of conservation discounted reports of mountain lions. They even went as far as to call videos,of cats, fakes. Now they are doing the same with Bear. I can assure you that we have both Lions, and bears in missouribecause I've seen them first hand. Now, go ask a biologist and there is no telling what kind of answer you will get.
I'm not saying that the wolves should be wiped out, nor that the wolves should beprotected. Somewhere, sometime we have to find a common ground.