The majority welcomes home Washington's wolves

Despite the controversy most often reported by the press, the vast majority of citizens support wolf recovery in Washington. A public opinion survey published in 2008 revealed that 75 percent of residents supported wolf recovery in Washington, and only 17 percent were in opposition. It seems wolf supporters howl the loudest in both public surveys and meetings, including wildlife commission meetings regarding the state's wolf plan this year.

“For more than 70 years, longer than I’ve been alive, the state of Washington has been devoid of its wolves because they were extirpated, and it is heartening news to me that they have been moving back in on their own,” testified Richard Champlin at the WDFW’s August 4th meeting.

Champlin went on to say that he is in support of wolf recovery in Washington, and thinks that wolves are important to the ecosystem in Washington. Champlin’s beliefs were echoed by many people who testified at the meeting, including hunter Philip Lundahl.

Lundahl began his testimony by declaring his support for wolf recovery and conservation in Washington. He explained how a trip to Alaska changed his life and gave him respect for wolves, quoting an Eskimo saying: “The wolf is our brother; it is the wolf that keeps the caribou strong.”

Lundahl explained how the wolf’s relationship with ungulates makes the herd stronger. He said wolfs prey on the diseased, sick, and weakest members of a herd, unlike hunters who try to kill the best animals.

“So what’s the best for deer, elk, and moose?” Lundahl asked. “I think it’s having wolves around to make them healthy in the long term.”

The hunter said he can empathize with people who are concerned that wolves will create a smaller population of ungulates, and force them to move more. But he says that what may be perceived as disadvantages are actually beneficial and make hunting more of a challenge, which he appreciates as well.

Testifier Bob McCoy remembered viewing the Mt. St. Helens area in a helicopter. He said he saw huge herds of what appeared to be ungulates feeding on the grasslands.
 “I thought they ought not to have an all-you-can-eat buffet, but should be pushed around a bit by wolves,” McCoy said.

Almost all of the people who testified professed the ecological importance of wolves in a healthy ecosystem. In addition, many testimonies noted that wolves have an economic benefit, citing Yellowstone Park which receives 7 to 10 million dollars per year from wolf tourism alone.

It is clear that wolves are welcome and important to the wild lands of Washington State. Wolves are a native species, returning to Washington after years of persecution and misunderstanding.

“My hope is the legacy that we leave our children and grandchildren, and the many generations that come after us is one of compassion and caring for the wolf and other wild creatures,” testified Peggy Macki.

Even though majority of citizens support wolf recovery and the current state plan is good, the outcome of this year's wolf plan process is still up to the wildlife commission. Please act today to let them know you too support healthy wolf populations in Washington.

The best way to help wolves? Join Richard, Philip, Bob, and Peggy by testifying at one of the upcoming WDFW meetings! Can't attend? Write a personal letter or take action online to keep wolves where they belong, in Washington State!