Don’t let wolves continue to be killed in Minnesota.

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Source Center for Biological Diversity

Background

Minnesota’s wolves urgently need your help. After Great Lakes wolves lost federal protection under the Endangered Species Act earlier this year, state managers rushed to authorize wolf hunting and trapping seasons. The Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit to stop the sport killing of wolves, but state courts refused to take action.

Hunters shot and needlessly killed more than 120 of Minnesota’s wolves in the first 12 days of the hunt. The state’s goal is to kill 400 by the end of the season.

Wolf trapping season began Nov. 24, and hundreds more of these beautiful and intelligent animals will suffer and die in gruesome leghold traps and snares.

Wolves are an essential part of the American wildscape. They regulate prey populations and help maintain biodiversity. Sport hunting and trapping may actually exacerbate problems between domestic animals and wolves. Sport killings disrupt pack dynamics and create lone wolves that are more apt to target livestock or pets out of desperation.

Don’t let wolves continue to be killed for sport in Minnesota. Tell Gov. Mark Dayton and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to oppose sport hunting and trapping of wolves and help halt all unnecessary killing.


Petition Letter | Use edited text below

As you are aware, almost 80% of DNR survey respondents, including both wildlife enthusiasts and hunters, made it clear they do not want a wolf hunting and trapping season in Minnesota. I am aware the DNR is not under any legal obligation to proceed with a wolf hunt and that you have the authority to stop it. There is no biological reason to hunt wolves. The wolf population has been stable since 1998 without hunting and trapping. Depredating wolves are being trapped by USDA and DNR certified trappers. This is a sport season, pure and simple. Recreational killing.

Wolves are more valuable to us all alive. Minnesotans value wolves and want to embrace a sustainable wolf management plan that favors the use of effective non-lethal means to manage conflicts. With the largest population of biologically diverse wolves in the lower 48, we have a responsibility to manage our wolves in accordance with the high social and sustainable economic value they represent to all of our residents.

An open season on wolves is not in the interest of wolves, nor of Minnesota. I strongly urge you to use your authority to cancel the wolf hunting and trapping season immediately. We must err on the side of caution; too much is at stake to do anything less.

The wolf spirit
The wolf spirit is like a beautiful song
One can feel it forever, it is never too long
The wolf spirit is like the freedom of clouds
Hovering ever so gently, with head held so proud
The wolf spirit dances in sunshine and rain
In all four of our seasons, without any disdain
The wolf spirit lives in the mountains up high
Its grandeur is endless, it can touch the sky
The wolf spirit belongs to all who live on earth
It will live forever, no one can measure its worth

Karen Lyons Kalmenson