Dear HCN,
It is evident that most
of the wolf predation of livestock occurs within national forest
leases or adjacent areas which are often managed by the Bureau of
Land Management. As a part owner of these lands, I think it is time
that stock growers accept the fact that multiple risks exist on
government-leased tracts and also in adjacent areas that are
subject to predators such as wolves, bears and
lions.
The killing of wolf packs should only
occur after multiple episodes of predation on private land or
danger to humans who live in the area. I, as a citizen, do not feel
that it is reasonable for the rest of us to pay ranchers for their
losses which occur on public property! They must accept the risks
involved. In addition, much of our Western property is not
appropriate for stock growing and has low levels of profit for all.
These areas should be taken out of cattle and sheep
operations.
Leland E. Stanley,
M.D.
Cody, Wyoming
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Predation a risk ranchers must accept.
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