A common logical error is the “either-or” fallacy. We
must either kill wolves or put up with dead and horribly maimed
cows. And men so quickly turn to guns. I’m sure there are many
solutions in between, one of which is “negotiating” with the
wolves.
Ann Daum writes about a rancher successfully
negotiating with coyotes in South Dakota (in Intimate Nature). In
return for the coyotes leaving his livestock alone, the rancher
provided the coyotes with stillbirths and placentas, and grew more
bushes along edges where coyotes could hunt smaller animals. Derek
Jensen describes a long “discussion” with coyotes, the end result
of which was that he provided them with bagels and the occasional
remains of a chicken; in return, the coyotes did not eat his
free-range chickens.
While these stories focus on
coyotes, wolves are surely as smart. The world is big enough for
all of us.
Kathleen Ochs
Saguache,
Colorado
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Bargains with wolves.
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