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The Quarterly Publication of the International Center Volume 19, No. 4 WINTER 2009 Features Departments The Pros and Cons of 3 From the 4 Owning Wolf- Hybrids Chair of the Board of Directors Wolf-dog hybrids are increasingly popular, but they aren’t for everyone. Should crossing and be encouraged – or prohibited? 10 Tracking the

Tracy O’Connell 13 Wolves of the World Building a Wolf Library ynn C ruzan 18 Book Review 7 International Wolf offers some suggestions for making Danna L informed choices among the huge selection of wolf books on 23 A Look Beyond the market. Cornelia Hutt On the Cover Living with Wolves in an Photo by Curt Tidwell A member of the Hill 20 Idaho Neighborhood pack roams a snowy hillside above a neighborhood in Idaho’s Wood Wolves in winter go where the are plentiful. In this case, River Valley. See story on page 20. a pack shares living space with people and domestic dogs in a residential neighborhood, causing both fear and excitement – and some changed minds. Did you know...

C urt Tidwell Jason Kauffman one easy way for you to help us conserve natural resources is to make sure we have your email address. Simply email your address to: [email protected] nternational Wolf C enter I nternational Wolf Publications Director Mary Ortiz Magazine Coordinator Coalition Sharon Reed Director Graphics Coordinator Carissa L.Winter Awarded 2009 Consulting Editors Cornelia Hutt and Tracy O’Connell “Who Speaks Technical Editor for Wolf ” L. David Mech im Wheeler, executive Graphic Designer director of the Red C enter I nternational Wolf Tricia Austin Wolf Coalition, is the Left to right: International Wolf Center Board K Member Nancy Gibson, Kim Wheeler International Wolf (1089-683X) is published recipient of the International quarterly and copyrighted, 2009, by the Wolf Center’s 2009 “Who Speaks for Wolf” award. This annual award is given International Wolf Center, 3410 Winnetka Ave. to someone outside the organization who has made exceptional contribu- N., Minneapolis, MN 55427, USA. tions to wolf education. Kim works as a volunteer for the Center, and her email: [email protected]. commitment to red wolf survival has enhanced the success and status of this All rights reserved. critically . n Publications agreement no. 1536338 Membership in the International Wolf Center includes a subscription to International Wolf magazine, free admission to the Center, and discounts on programs and merchandise. • Lone Wolf memberships are U.S. $35 • Wolf Pack $60 • Wolf Associate $125 • Wolf Sponsor $500 • Alpha Wolf $1000. Canada and other countries, add U.S. $15 per year for airmail postage, $7 for surface postage. Contact the International Wolf Center, 1396 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731-8129, USA; email: [email protected]; phone: 1-800-ELY-WOLF International Wolf is a forum for airing facts, ideas and attitudes about wolf-related issues. Articles and materials printed in International Wolf do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the International Wolf Center or its board of directors. International Wolf welcomes submissions of personal adventures with wolves and wolf pho­to­graphs. Prior to submission of other types of manu­scripts, address queries to Mary Ortiz, publications director. PHOTOS: Unless otherwise noted, or obvious from the caption or article text, photos are of captive wolves. International Wolf is printed entirely with soy ink on FSC certified paper. We encourage FSC logo here you to recycle this magazine.

2 Winter 2009 www.wolf.org INTERNATIONAL From the Chair of WOLF CENTER The Board of Directors Board of Directors Nancy jo Tubbs Chair Dr. L. David Mech Reading Takes Children Vice Chair Where the Wild Things Are Cree Bradley Secretary by Nancy jo Tubbs, Board Chair, International Wolf Center Paul B. Anderson Treasurer

ather tucked me into bed and opened our favorite book. I was about six Dr. Larry Anderson years old, and when I wasn’t climbing trees or catching , I was learning Amy Bromberg Funk to read a bit myself. I proudly picked out a few of the words as he read Nancy Gibson “The Old Mother West Wind” tale. F Hélène Grimaud “The last little star was blinking sleepily as Old Mother West Wind turned her big bag upside down on the Green Meadows and all her children, the Merry Little Jim Hammill Breezes, tumbled out on the soft green grass.” Cornelia “Neil” Hutt Dad made Thornton W. Burgess’ stories of the Breezes, Dean Johnson Grandfather and Sammy Jay, who was always planning mis- Linda Lemke chief, come alive with voices that squeaked and rumbled and one Dania Miwa that sounded suspiciously like my mother’s voice calling from bed Dr. Rolf O. Peterson for coffee. Mom objected in mock protest, and Dad and I giggled. Mike Phillips This issue of International Wolf is chock full of suggestions for Debbie Reynolds delightful books about the world of the wolf. Some speak to adults Jerry Sanders and others to the younger set. You’ll find fascinating, factual and Paul Schurke adventurous reading suggestions here about the wolf, its habitat, Paul Sletten its pack and its prey. Ted Spaulding Nancy jo Tubbs Of particular importance, I think, is the notion that sharing Teri Williams nature with very young children can start with reading that delights both parents and kids. When we are snuggled up with a good nature book, a bond grows Executive Director between child, parent and the great outdoors. Mary Ortiz Some stories for children are less factual but find a way to captivate young people with anthropomorphic characters who inhabit our imaginations, though Mission not the real world. As we grow older, we make the transition from hearing about The International Wolf Grandfather Frog to learning about the world of amphibians, about wood frogs, Center advances the survival spring peepers and goliath frogs. We begin to care about the frogs in our pond and of wolf populations by those in other ecosystems, which may be in danger. teaching about wolves, their I hope you remember your favorite nature books from early childhood. Perhaps relationship to wildlands and the you are finding new favorites that you share with the children in your life. Whether human role in their future. they are fables or factual, I hope they are rich in words that squeak and rumble off Educational services and the tongue and snare one’s imagination. Reading books about wolves, frogs and informational resources the west wind plants the seeds of care for the natural world in those who listen. are available at: And delightfully, it may even refresh our care for our big, windy world in those of 1396 Highway 169 us doing the reading. Ely, MN 55731-8129, USA Wishing you wild reading. n 1-800-ELY-WOLF 1-218-365-4695 For a comprehensive list of books and videos for all ages, email address: [email protected] please visit the Learn section of www.wolf.org. Web site: http://www.wolf.org

International Wolf Winter 2009 3 A manda Stanoszek Ken C ollings Wolf-dog Crosses–

by Tracy O’Connell A manda Stanoszek A dam O A manda Stanoszek

4 Winter 2009 www.wolf.org s a wolf-dog on your holiday books on its Web site for those inter- wish list? A check online will yield ested in owning a wolf-dog. Ia list of breeders, organizations People who envision keeping such and happy owners pictured with an in their homes soon their loving companions – as well as encounter problem behavior, such as more than a few cautionary tales, a site marking and destroying - listing a 30-year chronology of wolf- niture, says Beth Duman, a Wolf Park dog attacks on humans, and many volunteer and dog trainer. Further, rescues and sanctuaries where victims despite the imagined fierceness, they of unsuccessful ownership experi- aren’t good at guarding, a purpose ments end up. many have in mind for large dogs. Robert A. Willems, veterinary med- Most agree the nature of the wolf – to ical officer with the U.S. Department of avoid human interaction – does not Agriculture, wrote an article, “The bode well for people seeking a guardian Wolf-Dog Hybrid, Overview of a to give them protection. Additionally, Controversial Animal” in the Animal some veterinarians won’t treat a wolf- Welfare Information Center newsletter dog, and vaccines manufactured in 1995. “Unfortunately, there is little for dogs have not been proven effective scientific literature. . . . Most of what on wolves or wolf crosses. we now know about their behavior What’s in a name? Getting agree- comes from anecdotal accounts,” he ment on terms can be dicey. Wolf-dogs wrote. “One side describes them as are not hybrids, posits Leyton , highly aggressive, destructive, unpre- executive director of the Wild Spirit dictable, and untrustworthy. . . .The Wolf Sanctuary in New Mexico, a other sees them as gentle, loving ani- facility caring for more than 50 wolves mals. . . . Many experienced hybrid and wolf-dogs that have been surren- owners claim their are less dered by owners unable to keep them dangerous than some breeds of dog. for a variety of reasons. He notes National statistics on canine attacks on “hybrid” refers to a cross between two humans have been used by both sides species, while wolves and dogs are of to support their differing positions.” the same species. Those same arguments are heard Lori Schmidt, wolf curator at the

today. But several sources work to Center, uses the term hybrid, saying ynn C ruzan provide unbiased information, such the difference is between a domestic as the Center’s Web site, and there are animal and a wild one, making the Danna L several points on which everyone from term more in reference to “the nature across the spectrum seems to agree. of the animal being not aligned by Wolf-dogs aren’t for everyone, a one trait or another.” title for marketing purposes. Duman point made loud and clear by sup- Cougar, Schmidt, and others say estimates up to half of the purported porters, rescuers, and educators alike. the more successful ownership stories wolf-dogs are, in fact, dogs. A person considering such an acquisi- come from ‘low-content’ animals, For this reason Mace Loftus, a tion needs to be well informed and those with little wolf genetic material. 20-year wolf-dog enthusiast and pub- to have significant resources to provide Many animals carrying the ‘wolf-dog’ lisher of a newly-launched magazine the space, secure housing and care label don’t have any wolf content in devoted to the subject, notes that some required by such an animal. Wolf Park, their genes, just about everyone agrees. of the problems associated with wolf- an Indiana educational and research Unscrupulous breeders, or people dogs should actually be blamed on bad facility, offers courses and recommends hoping to find homes for mixed-breed, dogs. He says it’s the bloodline that ‘wolfie-looking’ dogs, attach the sexier counts in determining a good animal, There can be such variability within a litter that one animal can make an appropriate companion, while a sibling does not.

International Wolf Winter 2009 5 “They’re pack animals,” Loftus agrees. “You keep one alone, and it goes nuts.” How many are out there? No one knows the number of wolf-dogs in the U.S. Cougar, the rescuer, gets so many calls (“four yesterday”) from owners unable to keep their animals that he believes there are more wolves in captivity in the U.S. than in the wild. His is one of a number of public and private organizations that either pro- vides permanent sanctuary for surren- dered animals, or that seeks to re-home them. Many offer tours and events to raise funds to care for their charges. Frank Wendland, cofounder of W.O.L.F. Sanctuary in , says he turns down 1,000 requests per year to take animals owners can no longer keep. Citing the scope of this situation, he says of his organ- ization, “WOLF is adamantly against M ary C oleman the breeding of wolves and wolf- dogs. By their nature and spirit they were A person considering such an acquisition n o t m e a n t t o b e contained. They do not do well in captive situa- needs to be well informed and tions.” Some other rescuers to have significant resources. are more nuanced in their opinions, as are along with the training it receives, rather the ban against owning wolf-dogs in educators. Jess Edberg, information than the percentage of wolf ancestry. that state (which followed the deaths services director at the Center, says He and others cite positive reinforce- of four children in unrelated incidents) most questions she gets on the wolf- ment as an effective training method. because of the concern that such dog issue are from people who already Cougar, who Loftus as a animals, especially when abandoned by own one and want to know how to resource, counters that since there’s owners unable to care for them, skewed care for it, or “if we’ll take theirs.” When no affordable genetic testing available, the picture of wild wolf impacts. she does get questions from potential “When someone tells me the animal Rescuers see yet a different side – owners, she asks if their vet will treat is such a percent wolf, I know he’s full animals chained for years in a back- such an animal, if they have adequate of it.” He, Duman, the Center’s Web yard, their collars grown into their room for it, and if they have the knowl- site and other sources say that due to flesh, controlled with tasers, and other- edge of both dogs and wolves to enable the nature of the cross, there can be wise brutalized by abusive owners. them to deal with an animal that could such variability within a litter that Their Web pages tell stories of animals be anywhere in between on the behav- one animal can make an appropriate starved and fearful. ioral continuum. companion, while a sibling does not. The National Wolf-dog Alliance Meanwhile rescuers suggest those “But when someone says the animal promotes a code of ethical conduct for wanting a wolf-dog get one from a res- is 98 percent wolf, I know it is pure breeders, takes a stance on the unsuit- cue, or sponsor one in a sanctuary. n wolf and they’re trying to be legal,” ability of tethering to contain animals, Cougar adds, referring to a ruling in and tracks legislation that would make Tracy O’Connell teaches in the many states against keeping pure ownership of wolves or wolf-dogs more Marketing Communications program at wolves in captivity. Laws regulating difficult. It provides links to rescue the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. wolf and wolf-dog ownership differ by sites from its Web page and provides An International Wolf Center member state, and change over time. expectations potential owners should who serves on the magazine and commu- Duman notes Michigan’s Depart- be prepared to meet, including environ- nications committees, she once counted a wolf-dog and a among her ‘family.’ ment of Natural Resources supported mental enrichment and a companion.

6 Winter 2009 www.wolf.org by Cornelia Hutt WHAT IS A WOLF?

es we can! Here’s a sampler Wolves: Behavior, Ecology, The Wolf Almanac of books for gifts and your and Conservation Robert H. Busch Ypersonal wish list. L. David Mech and Luigi Boitani (Eds.) Wolves: A Wildlife Handbook First a disclaimer! There’s no one- The ultimate resource, this compre- Kim Long size-fits-all book list! Regrettably, space hensive, engaging book appeals both Illustrated, highly useful handbooks. limitations mean leaving out five-star to scientists and the general public. titles including children’s books, story collections, novels and first-person POLITICS AND accounts. See the review of two MANAGEMENT OF children’s books on page 18, and look for more in a future issue. A CONTROVERSIAL Visit the Center’s Wolf Den Store in PREDATOR Ely, MN, or http://shop.wolf.org for a superb selection of books and videos for all ages. Remember! Out-of-print books are often available through online book vendors. Return of the Wolf Steve Grooms Superb general resource book about the wolf’s fascinating world in Groom’s trademark conversational style. The Way of the Wolf L. David Mech Popular, comprehensive, for all ages. Wolf Wars Hank Fischer Wolves of the World The Return of the Wolf Todd K. Fuller to Yellowstone More than a beautiful “coffee table” Thomas McNamee decoration. Contains rich information. Two page-turning tributes to the remarkable achievement of the conservation heroes who collectively restored the wolf to the northern Rockies.

International Wolf Winter 2009 7 The Great American Wolf WOLVES IN NORTH Bruce Hampton How will people accommodate wolf AMERICA BY REGION recovery? Historical perspective with implications for the future. Upper Midwest A Society of Wolves: National Parks and the Battle over the Wolf Keepers of the Wolves: The Early Rick McIntyre Years of Wolf Recovery in Wisconsin and The Timber Wolf In Wisconsin: Stunning photography and an The Death And Life Of A epilogue that gives special meaning Majestic Predator to the book’s solid information. Richard P. Thiel Both take readers straight to the Wisconsin wolf recovery effort, providing insight into thorny issues Beyond Wolves: The Politics of surrounding efforts to preserve Wolf Recovery and Management endangered species. Martin Nie Don’t let the title suggest the reading audience is limited to policy makers and wildlife managers. It’s for everyone who sees the value of consensus-building and the democratic process. Of Wolves and Men Barry Lopez Vicious: Wolves and Men in America Jon T. Coleman Two books that track wolves through their brutal eradication saga. The Wolves of Isle Royale: Each connects history and folklore A Broken Balance and challenges us to confront Rolf O. Peterson and move beyond our history of sadistic wolf killing. First-hand account of the more than half-century study of the wolf/ relationship on Isle Royale.

Shadow Mountain: A Memoir of Recovery of Gray Wolves in Wolves, a Woman, and the Wild the of the Renee Askins United States: An Endangered Again, don’t let the title mislead. Species Success Story Challenges readers to re-think Adrian P. Wydeven, et al. (Eds.) the way our society views and uses Filled with excellent data and wild animals. biological information about wolves in the Great Lakes region. See the Wolf Mountains: A History of comprehensive list of The Wolves of : Wolves Along the Great Divide books and videos on our A Howl in the Heartland Karen Jones L. David Mech (Ed.) Important look at the history of the Web site at www.wolf.org/ Compelling story of the wolf’s come- policies and control measures in four wolves/learn/basic/ back in Minnesota and the implica- Rocky Mountain national parks. resources/books tions for humans as well as wolves. _videos.asp

8 Winter 2009 www.wolf.org The Return of the Mexican Gray High Wolf: Back to the Blue Bobbie Holaday The : Living with A determined woman who started a the Pack; The Arctic Wolf: pro-wolf organization in a hostile Ten Years with the Pack; Northern Rockies environment, Holaday recounts the Wolves of the High Arctic 15-year effort to restore the Mexican L. David Mech. Decade of the Wolf wolf to New Mexico and Arizona. For all wolf fans, enrichment for Douglas Smith, Gary Ferguson Ellesmere Blog (http://international- Stretches beyond general information wolfcenter.blogspot.com/). to give the readers a generous, candid and often funny account of the raw realities of life for wolves and the field scientists who study and manage them.

In the Company of Wolves Peter Steinhart The Ninemile Wolves Rick Bass Southeast Eloquently written, endlessly fascinating. Meant to Be Wild: The Struggle Canada to Save Endangered Species Through Captive Breeding The Last Wild Wolves: Ghosts of the Jan DeBlieu Rain Forest Story of the red wolf and other animals Ian McAllister removed from the wild and bred in Stunning photographs of a wild captivity to save them from extinction. coastal archipelago and the wolves that inhabit it. n The Red Wolf: Help Save This Endangered Species Alison Imbriaco Colorful, highly useful guide to learning about red wolves.

The Wolves of Yellowstone Michael K. Phillips and Douglas W. Smith Insightful chronicle of the first year of the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone. Cornelia Hutt chairs the International Wolf Center board education committee and is a contributor to International Wolf magazine. Southwest Another Country: Journeying Toward The Wolf in the Southwest: The the Cherokee Mountains Making of an Endangered Species Christopher Camuto David E. Brown (Ed.) In-depth, richly textured narrative Well-researched, highly readable, about the reintroduction of the red valuable for the stories Brown tells wolf to the Great Smoky Mountains and for the historical perspective. National Park and the importance of red wolves in Cherokee mythology and culture.

International Wolf Winter 2009 9 Tracking the Pack

The Center is intentionally man- Finding a Place in the Pack aging a one-female exhibit due to a tendency for females to be more by Lori Schmidt aggressive; hence Maya is the domi- nant female by default. But that doesn’t he 2008 introduction of wolf year’s offspring. Status in the pack keep her from asserting dominance. In pups, Aidan and Denali, into occurs naturally because of these the absence of another female, she has our Exhibit Pack was a great familial relationships rather than focused on Aidan, at times stalking him T and dominating him any time he dem- success, and as predicted, their pres- because of dominance contests to stay ence changed the pack’s dynamics. on top. onstrates too much excitement during Several positive outcomes occurred This is not to say that dominance social behavior, such as a pack howl. after the pup introduction, including testing doesn’t happen in the wild and Since the pup introduction in the the strong social bond formed with that it isn’t an important component fall of 2008, Grizzer had always done the pups by Grizzer and Shadow, two of social behavior. However, geneti- very little to demonstrate his status as of our adult wolves. cally non-related wolves in a captive a second-ranking male. He was always Shadow showed clear leadership environment are more likely to display tolerant of the two newcomers grab- and dominance but also provided a this behavior to establish rank and bing, pulling, or chasing him and strong social influence that yearlings maintain pack hierarchy. Rank order generally using him to practice preda- seek for reassurance. It’s not uncommon is usually gender specific, meaning the tory skills. Malik, as a third-ranking to have Shadow roll over in a submis- males have an order and the females male, was very observant of Grizzer’s sive posture and paw at the yearlings, have an order. The encouraging them to roll with him. Exhibit Pack’s year- Then he delivers a hard muzzle bite to lings will not attain remind them that he is still in charge. rank in the hier- However, Grizzer rarely exhibits domi- archy until they nance over the yearlings. Instead, he mature when they continues to allow them to scruff bite, are 18–24 months ride up* and mob him with no reper- old. That will be cussions. This behavior has created sometime during some conflicts between Grizzer, the the winter of 2009– second-ranking male, and Malik, the 2010. third-ranking male. Before addressing the specifics of this conflict, it is important to note the differences between captive and wild wolf packs. Recent scientific publica- tions have downplayed the use of the term “alpha” since evidence from direct observations suggests that a wild wolf pack is not maintained by dominance struggle. A wolf pack is a family unit,

with parents in charge of the pups of C enter I nternational Wolf the current year as well as the previous Above: Aidan places a submissive paw and muzzle licks to Shadow, respecting Shadow as the dominant male. Denali watches and drops his head with flat submissive ears.

*Ride up – when a dominant male wolf Right: Grizzer is tolerant of the mounts the back of another male and directs yearlings but has his limits. threat bites to the rival’s neck. Both wolves may growl. Sometimes this behavior involves three wolves.

10 Winter 2009 www.wolf.org slack of posturing and spent the fall Wolf-care staff members were able Exhibit during the next year. Staff is and winter taking advantage when to break it up, hold Grizzer and the very mindful of the tension between Grizzer was preoccupied with pups. yearlings off long enough to assess Grizzer and Malik and will be extremely This included grab-bites, foreleg stabs, Malik’s condition, and then reunite the cautious as the fall hormones and lunges and a significant amount of pack. It was critical for Malik that the aggression increases. growling. Ritualized dominance is separation be as short as possible. The biggest factor of concern is the noisy, with threat displays that use Lengthy separations even for veteri- role the two yearlings will play in the vocalization to get the point across, nary care can be viewed as a wolf male rank order. It is expected that but usually these are short-lived and dispersing, with the pack not accepting Denali will climb rank, as he is larger not problematic. the missing member back. Malik clearly and hasn’t been subject to the domi- On May 12, 2009, Grizzer put an wanted to be with the pack, and isola- nance that Aidan receives from Maya. end to Malik’s testing in the most intense tion was not in his best interest. The question is: How will Malik fare dominance display the wolf care staff Since the attack, Malik has been when Denali and Aidan find their has ever witnessed. In a split second, accepting his role as the third-ranking places in the pack? This will be the Grizzer grabbed Malik by the neck and wolf and is still socially interacting with focus of wolf-care staff’s management started headshaking and dragging all pack members, but the number of in the coming months. Watch the wolf him around the enclosure. There was direct eye stares from Grizzer, a sign of logs at www.wolf.org and the monthly no sound from any of the pack members dominance, is a reminder that Grizzer YouTube or podcasts to stay in touch or Grizzer. This was not a threat display; will not give up his status. It is likely with the Exhibit Pack. n this was a dominance attack. that Malik may be retired from the nternational Wolf C enter I nternational Wolf

International Wolf Winter 2009 11 International Wolf Center Major Contributors and Special Gifts JUNE 2009 – AUGUST 2009

Major Donors Neil Hutt Memorials In memory of In honor of Corning Incorporated Wesley Ranta: Gregory Bradbury: Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ivancich Inc., In memory of on behalf of: Ely DQ Grill & Chill Jean V. Ruth Frances Hoke Alvord Eugene Hinkle: Wayne J. Cadden Dean Johnson The Schied Family In memory of In honor of Larry and Evelyn Widgie and Dugan: Pam Churn: LexisNexis Anderson Daniel Kamionkowski on behalf of: In memory of Christine Englert Lorianne Churn Eva Moody: Arthur and Vicki Dave Mech Laura L. Lawson Bomberger Jean V. Ruth Honorary In honor of Lori and Jason Mulligan the IWC crew: The Dorothy D. and Regina Carius Joseph A. Moller In memory of In honor of Carsten Joyce Wells Karen Pajari Jason Kuefler: Foundation Cynthis Pett-Dante and Leigh Beith: In honor of and Peter Dante Patricia Pettis Sylvia Nelson Microsoft Giving John P. Harris Mary Ortiz: Campaign Gary and Doreen Rebecca Phillips In memory of Lobo: In honor of Amira Francie Nelson on behalf of: Deutsch Boler’s birthday: Jerry Sanders Judith, Terry, and Lori Schmidt Raul Garcia Ronald Dudley Chance Leonard Michael A. Gary Seevers Donndelinger Nancy Schwartz Anonymous In memory of Rita George Garber Beldon and Ted and Barbara (Nystrom) O’Malley: In honor of Mary Jennifer B. Beldon In-Kind Deborah Gentile Spaulding Palank’s birthday: Judy Hunter Donations J. Leon and Melissa Palank Nancy Gibson and Curt and Rebecca Mesa Annamary Boler Ronald R. Sternal Rebecca Stacey Suzanne In memory of Simona N. Boler Matching Wessa-Avello Ellen M. Gigliotti Nancy L. Towner Karel Otto: Mingmei Tu and Gifts and Jennifer Ell Julia and Parker Hall Nancy jo Tubbs Norm Soderstrom Yanhui Han Foundations Judy Hunter Wil and Amy Daniel Vogel Julie L. and Brian D. Swanson Altria Group Inc Harmsen on behalf of: Neil Hutt Frank and Charles and Ada Warner Janet M. Andersen Betty Magnuson Sharon Heck Katherine Wilcox Ameriprise Financial Carol and Deborah Hinchcliffe on behalf of: Bob Mucha Margaret Wyllie Carol Hodges Nancy Brooks Andi Nelsen Judy Hunter Kristine Elias Karen Pajari Erik Johnson Rolf Peterson American Express Ann Rasberry Foundation on behalf of: Ken Reinecke Nicole Boyt Julie Strande Jacqueline Bukovits Deb and Ray Wells Linda D’Arcy Kim Wheeler Therese Williams Estates

Donald Kenyon Viola Walkenhorst Dorothy B. Webber

nternational Wolf C enter I nternational Wolf Thank You! 12 Winter 2009 www.wolf.org SWEDEN

NORWAY

The Wolf Returns to Germany

By Steve Grooms

istory can dish up some deli- IRELAND Brandenburg cious ironies. Germany has not had resident wolves ever since Berlin H NETH. the last beleaguered survivors were killed in the 19th century. No conti- nent exhibited more wolf hatred than Saxony Germany Dresden , and no European country is BELGIUM more associated with wolf hatred than Germany. Moreover, Germany is a LUX. CZECH modern, highly developed nation with REPUBLIC a dense human population of 82 million people . . . hardly an appropriate home for large wild predators, or so many FRANCE people might think. Even so, Germany is now home to LIECH. AUSTRIA at least 20 wild wolves in two packs. If wolves have not exactly roared back to SWITZ. their position as the of German forests, at least the wolf has ITALY what is often called “a pawhold” in Germany along the eastern border with Poland. And more wolves are coming. Wolves reportedly made occasional poaching or accidents when they appearances in Germany starting after encounter humans. the Berlin Wall fell. What is new is the The main reason wolves are infil- “. . .the wolf has fact that they have establishedANDORRA healthy, trating forested lands in eastern stable populations. In addition to the Germany is that the region has experi- what is often called PORTUGAL20 adults confirmed to be living in enced a significant loss of human the country, researchers believe that population, which is one of many 20 dispersers have left in an effort to unforeseen consequences of German ‘a pawhold’ in establish new packs. This surge in wolf reunification. The wolves are setting numbers seems to be driven, in part at up territories in areas of eastern Germany along the least, by steady increases in the numbers Germany where Communist leaders eastern border with of wolves in neighboringSPAIN Poland. tried to establish mining and military How could this happen in a modern training centers. One tenth of the local European country? And why now? population has abandoned that region, Poland. And more Wolves have no enemies except for mostly heading toward larger cities. humans, and humans–for two reasons As human populations sag, wolf wolves are coming.” –are now less of a threat. For one thing, populations increase. “They’re follow- public attitudes toward predators are ing ancient migration routes back to becoming increasingly positive in Germany, partly because of the grow- MALTA ALGERIA many areas. Secondly, wolves are ing numbers (of wolves)TUNISIA in Poland, protected by law against public taking. Slovakia and other parts of Eastern Still, some wolves die as a result of Europe which means they have to

International Wolf Winter 2009 13 spread out and go somewhere,” said Farmers have fretted about Roland Melisch, head of the species losses, although those have been The conservation section at the World remarkably light so far. Other critics Czechoslovakian Wildlife Fund (WWF) in Germany. are simply repeating the old stereo- Wolves in Germany are benefiting types about wolves being vicious and Wolf-dog (not a from programs to compensate farmers dangerous. Yet many Germans, both in wolf and not a dog) for livestock losses. The programs are the scientific community and in the very similar to depredation-compensa- general public, are delighted to see the by Steve Grooms tion programs in the United States. return of an animal that was missing Brandenburg state, which surrounds for over a century. t is not often that conservative Berlin, not only made it a crime to Wolves have also been returning to kennel authorities recognize a new shoot wolves but offers farmers cash other countries where they were nearly breed of dog. It is even less usual compensation for any farm animals extinct, including Italy, Austria, France I when the “dog” is the result of breeding that fall prey to the wolves. It also and the Baltic states. In addition to animals usually thought to belong to provides subsidies to farmers to buy wolves, cranes, eagles and other wild- different species. That is part of the electric fences to keep wolves out. life species are rebounding as people mystique of the Czechoslovakian Wolf- Wolves being wolves, people being move, making more room for wildlife dog, a relatively new breed arising from people, the return of wolves to the in some areas. an experiment conducted in 1955 that former East Germany is controversial. Early in the 19th century, brothers involved cross-breeding a German shep- Because of fears, the German Envi- Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm were pub- herd dog with a Carpathian gray wolf. ronmental Ministry recently held a lishing collections of dark fantasies and Of course, there is nothing new conference named “Who’s Afraid of fairy tales that included their most fam- about breeding wolves and dogs. But the ?” It was informational ous, “Little Red Cap.” That single story the process is usually casual, unscien- and intended to reduce anxieties about is often seen as resulting in the deaths tific and even sometimes furtive. The wolves. of great numbers of wolves. Somehow offspring are sometimes called “wolfy That hardly stopped the arguing. it seems fitting that wolves today are ” because they reflect an unpre- Some hunters have complained about returning to the country that did so dictable mix of qualities from both competing with wolves for game. much to give them a poor reputation. parents. (See the article in this issue by Tracy O’Connell on this topic). Unless done with care and disci- pline, breeding hybrids can produce random results. Cross breeding is as likely to produce offspring featuring the worst qualities of both parents as it is to produce offspring with the best of both parents. Wolf shelters all across America are filled with wolf- dog hybrids that did not turn out as intended. There is not a great deal of docu- mentation for the rationale behind the creation of the Czechoslovakian Wolf-dog. The original impulse might have been to create a dog that would handle well in military work, combining the strength and endurance of the wolf with the famous willingness of German shepherds to work well with humans. For a breed to be recognized, it must be stable or predictable. In appearance and behavior, animals recognized as a particular should consis- tently meet breed standards. This new breed has been carefully devel- oped by breeders who weren’t chasing novelty or looking to make a fast buck William R ideg, KishenehnWildlife Works

14 Winter 2009 www.wolf.org Simon F razier With an unmistakable wolf appearance, but a more stable temperament than found in other hybrids due to generations of planned breeding, the Czech has been accepted as a standard breed by the International Cynological Federation (ICF).

with a “wolf” they could sell. The Czechoslovakian Wolf-dog was recognized as a national breed in Czechoslovakia in 1982. In 1999 it was accepted as a standard breed by the larger ICF (International Cynological Federation). In general, the Czechoslovakian

Wolf-dog resembles a light wolf more Simon F razier than a massive dog, although the coat is clearly lighter (shorter) than that of a wolf. Males weigh at least 57 pounds to their masters for clues about how (26 kg), females at least 44 pounds to respond to novel events, although “This new breed (20 kg). Males stand at least 26 inches their loyalty to masters is absolute. (65 cm) at the shoulders, females at Czechoslovakian Wolf-dogs have a has been carefully least 24 inches (60 cm). These animals, quality of keeping track of their owners although lighter than wolves, are without seeming to look at them. The developed by breeders powerful and athletic. They have the focus of Wolf-dogs is more on their ground-eating trot of wolves and are surroundings. They rarely but who weren’t chasing capable of covering great distances will find other ways to communicate with ease. Czechoslovakian Wolf-dogs with their owners. novelty or looking to have exceptional skills for trailing. All observers agree that Czecho- They withstand severe weather with no slovakian Wolf-dogs are highly playful make a fast buck apparent distress. and inclined to be independent. The The temperament of the Czechoslo- breed is known for going through a with a ‘wolf’ they vakian Wolf-dog is particularly inter- “stormy” adolescence, although females esting because it highlights some of are more cooperative and pleasant could sell.” the distinctive qualities of wild wolves then. The breed is often described as as contrasted with domestic dogs. lively, courageous and energetic. Czechoslovakian Wolf-dogs are calm, Maintenance is easier than with confident and more independent many dogs. These dogs do not require than dogs. They are less likely to look bathing. A little light brushing of their

International Wolf Winter 2009 15 Stefano C astellari

coats is desirable, but the breed does Like wolves, Czechoslovakian social interactions so they do not lead not require fussy attention. Wolf-dogs form tight bonds with their to aggression. It does, however, require a great “pack.” Also like wolves, they can be This, in other words, is not a “dog” deal of exercise. Czechoslovakian suspicious of strangers, human or that would suit just any potential Wolf-dogs should not be confined in animal. That means they are fiercely owner. But for someone who admires a small living space, but having roomy loyal to owners, to the families of wolves, knows dogs well, is prepared living quarters is less important than owners and even to other animals to offer plenty of supervision and exercise. One or two brisk runs a day that live in their own household. They exercise, the Czechoslovakian Wolf-dog will keep them healthy and content. might usually tolerate strange ani- could be a fascinating pet. The breed Failing to exercise a dog would risk mals, but owners need to socialize offers many of the impressive qualities making that animal frustrated and Czechoslovakian Wolf-dogs well and of wolves, but it comes with the rela- rebellious. then monitor their responses to animals tive safety of a recognized dog breed. Training Czechoslovakian Wolf-dogs not in their recognized pack. If a strange The breed is new enough that it is has special challenges. They are highly animal shows any inclination to be still exotic and expensive. A recent intelligent and biddable, but they learn hostile, the response of the wolf-dog search of internet sites turned up only better when trained with techniques could be dangerous. a single breeder with for sale. that feature variety. Dog trainers know Czechoslovakian Wolf-dogs might The price was $1,400 apiece. n the value of brute repetition, putting be an appropriate breed for owners the dog through its paces over and who are experienced with dogs and are Steve Grooms has been writing about over. That works because dogs have alert to issues of dominance and aggres- wolves and wolf management since 1976. been bred for many generations to take sion. This is not a breed that should be He is the author of the book Return of the instructions from a master. Czecho- owned by a casual person or someone Wolf, and he serves on the International Wolf advisory work team. slovakian Wolf-dogs can turn sour and who does not care to demonstrate lose motivation when subjected to the leadership (even dominance) over a (Author’s note: there are many film clips of same training exercises too many times. pet. Czechoslovakian Wolf-dogs have Czechoslovakian Wolf-dogs on the Internet. They might need to be motivated to strong personalities. They require an Simply go to www.YouTube.com and put learn, yet they learn very quickly when owner who is self-confident, assertive in a search string for Czechoslovakian they are involved with the training. and disciplined about monitoring all Wolf-dogs.)

16 Winter 2009 www.wolf.org Research on the Wolves of the High The International Wolf Center invites you to Arctic Uses a New Approach follow us at our Social Den sites: by Carissa Winter Facebook Group and Fan page iologist Dave Mech and a Read about the men’s disappointment http://www.facebook.com Canadian colleague, Dean Cluff, at discovering no wolves at the Rock (You have to join Facebook and then Bteamed up with me again last Den (click on the 2006 Blog to learn search “International Wolf Center” summer on a project to take people about this den site). Then experience from all around the world on a “virtual” their first encounter with the pack! Twitter: research trip. The 2009 expedition View Dean’s photographs of the flora https://twitter.com/IntlWolfCenter marked Dave’s 24th summer studying and fauna to better appreciate this wolves on , a destina- region. And read about the muskoxen YouTube: tion so remote it can take several days and arctic that are counted and www.youtube.com/user/IntlWolfCenter to get there. Thousands of adventurers indexed each year so their numbers accompanied Dave and Dean through can be compared with past years. Flickr Photostream: their blog, The Wolves of the High There’s much more! This is just a http://www.flickr.com/photos/ Arctic. (http://internationalwolfcenter. sampling of what you will read in the intlwolfcenter/ blogspot.com/) 2009 Wolves of the High Arctic blog. Check out our Photostream, add us On July 1, 2009, Dave and Dean The blogs covering the 2006 and as a Contact and share your favorite departed for Ellesmere from 2008 Ellesmere expeditions are ever photos in one of our groups! Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. popular. But as Web Specialist, I sought Until last year, Dave had conducted a new approach to spreading the word his High Arctic research “the old fash- about Dave’s and Dean’s 2009 research. Because they have never been persecuted by humans, wolves of the High Arctic often ioned way”–searching for a wolf pack I “tweeted” daily snippets using Twitter react to people with curiosity rather than through binoculars, hiking over the to entice people to the blog. I also fear. A yearling female wolf glances at the rugged terrain and spending long posted snippets to the Center’s Facebook researchers as she passes close by their hours observing and recording. observation place. This year, however, the researchers added a strategy never applied this far north. On July 9, Dave wrote: “We had been hoping to help answer so many of our questions about these wolves by using a brand-new approach for this area. Although many people elsewhere, including ourselves, have placed radio collars on wolves, we have never done that here.

However, after 23 previous sum- Dean C luff mers of just watching the wolves and learning so much from them, it was clear that any new breakthroughs here would require this new approach.” The Wolves of the High Arctic 2009 blog chronicles the biologists’ daily search for a breeding pair of arctic wolves. Their goal was to place sophis- ticated GPS/ARGOS tracking collars group and fan page, and I used Flickr the world about wolves” to thousands on both the male and female. Read to provide a virtual photo album to of people as far away as Belgium, Egypt, the blog and learn about this amazing share all the images from the trip. New Zealand, and Algeria, just to technology and what it can enable The “Wild about Wolf Research” chal- mention a few of the countries on the Dave and Dean to discover as they sit lenge raised $2500 from blog readers, list of virtual travel! n at their computers! and the challengers matched that Start at on July 1, amount! And with the use of social Carissa Winter is the International Wolf 2009. That’s where the suspense begins! networking, we were able to “teach Center Web Specialist.

International Wolf Winter 2009 17 Introducing Children to the Wonder of Wolves

by Nancy Schwartz

n a world where time with parents is being replaced with technology, reading to and with your children as well as Igetting them outside will instill a love and appreciation of both books and nature. Parents hold the cards to the winning hand for wild things and wild places! Parents play a key role in children’s knowledge of the natural world and in their ability to tell the difference between real and imagined animals. Here Wolf Song are two titles for your consideration if you want to begin now by Mary Bevis to grow the resources on your bookshelf. If you’re like me, you’ll never regret the investment! ew things intrigue us as The story is a great inter- Fmuch as the possibility of active “read-to-me” story but communicating with wild is difficult to read in spots animals. In Mary Bevis’ gently because the words are laid told children’s story, Wolf over the rich illustrations. Song, young Nell and Uncle Additionally, the non-fiction Walter attempt to do just that. section at the end of the book The tension builds as they mistakenly leads the reader travel into the dark night in to believe that wolves eat Uncle Walter’s pick-up truck smaller prey in the spring. to the end of the where However, overall Wolf Song is they attempt to connect with engaging and worth having wild wolves through their on your bookshelf. human howls. Beautiful scratchboard illustrations by Reading level: Ages 4–8 Consie Powell blend the world of Nell and Uncle Publisher: Raven Productions Walter with the ever-present (October 10, 2007) world of the wild wolves nearby. Having spent hundreds of nights out in the dark with my husband Jim howling for wolves, I find this book a wonderful representation of the fear and pleasure associ- ated with being in the woods at night trying to connect with wolves.

18 Winter 2009 www.wolf.org Is My Dog a Wolf? How Your Pet Compares to Its Wild Cousins Jenni Bidner

’ve been waiting a long time The book includes short, Ifor a book of this caliber to conversational chapters com- finally hit the shelves. Is My paring the eyes, ears, and Dog a Wolf? is informative, noses of wolves and dogs. easy to read, full of photos Other topics include: fighting, and priced under $10! , howling, food, Jenni Bidner has done her rolling, tails, hair, and homework, and the result is a training. It’s easy to see why well-researched comparison this book has received The Nancy Schwartz has been with These books and many between wild wolves and the ASPCA Berch Children’s the International Wolf Center other wonderful titles can dog in your home. In it you’ll Book Award. n Department since August find the answer to these ques- of 2000. She is responsible be purchased through the for selecting products that tions: “Why does my dog love Reading level: Ages 9–12 International Wolf Center to lick my face? Why does my depict wolves in a biologically accurate way. She resides in Wolf Den Store at dog chew my stuff? and, Publisher: Lark Books; illus- trated edition (June 28, 2006) Ely, MN and the reputa- http://shop.wolf.org “Why does my dog dig?” tion of howling for wolves, before it was cool.

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International Wolf Winter 2009 19 there wasn’t anything in the spot. Based Neighbors adjust to wandering wolves on the location of blood in the Reprinted with permission from the Idaho Mountain Express and a lack of drag marks, Main believes the elk was attacked right there. B y J a s o n K a u f f m a n , “We never heard a thing,” she said. Idaho Mountain Express Staff Writer “We slept through the whole thing.” After feeding on the elk for a while, the coyote disappeared. Then, around 7 a.m., Main got a call from her next-door neighbor. She told her to look up on the nearby hillside at what looked like a black dog. But it wasn’t a dog; it was a member of Hill pack. Main saw it sitting

C urt Tidwell on its haunches looking down at the dead elk in her backyard. Calls were quickly placed to other neighbors in the area. “We’re running to lock up all the dogs in the neighborhood,” she said. Throughout the morning, Main watched the wolf walk down to her yard to feed, then return to the hillside. Main, who was able to watch the animal close up through her binoculars, said the scene was riveting. She said it was Editor’s Note: This article appearing he wide-ranging Phantom Hill a lot like the trips to the African bush March 25, 2009 in the Idaho Mountain wolf pack, which has been she’s taken, except in this case, all she Express, describes the way wolves have moving throughout the Wood had to do was look out her window. moved into new areas to take advantage T River Valley this winter, has changed “This is Mother Nature at its finest,” of heavy elk populations. the views many locals have from their she said. “That’s part of the reason we dining room tables. decided to live out there.” Just ask Jan Main, who along with After the wolf left, Main called the her husband, Bob Main, lives out the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. East Fork of the Big Wood River near Lee Garwood, a Hailey-based conser- Triumph. In the early morning hours vation officer, came out and hauled the before daybreak last Wednesday, Main elk away. went to let her dogs out. Later that day, Garwood and another But first, she scanned the backyard Fish and Game official located six more with a large flashlight to make sure it Phantom Hill wolves that they hazed was safe. The couple began doing this with “cracker” shells fired from a after a cougar attacked a neighbor’s dog shotgun as part of an ongoing effort to last year. convince the 10-member pack to stay Main spotted what looked like an away from residential areas. elk carcass with a coyote feeding on it Less than a week before Main’s wolf in the darkness just 40 feet from the encounter, Bellevue resident back of her house. This was especially Tidwell also came within feet of a surprising given that when she and her member of the pack while he was husband went to sleep the night before taking a lunch break out Greenhorn

20 Winter 2009 www.wolf.org Gulch, on the western side of state with the malamutes following in concerned about the impact wolves Highway 75. Tidwell, who is managing tandem, he said. have on Idaho elk herds. a residential construction project “That wolf was real hesitant to go in Though Tidwell now believes there’s nearby, decided to drive up the valley there,” he said. a place for wolves in the state, he thinks with his foreman after hearing that the When its curiosity finally got the they need to be managed with hunting. pack had been seen hunting elk on the better of it, the wolf jumped the fence He says he wouldn’t have had a problem valley’s open hillsides. and began running through the field in shooting a wolf in the past. But seeing The two men spotted a single black a wide loop alongside the three dogs, the wolf so close changed his perspec- wolf angling along an open, south- Tidwell said. Seconds later, it jumped tive somewhat. facing hillside. At the same time, down the fence and ran back onto the road, “I wouldn’t have wanted to harm it off the hill and across the road, three he said. at all,” he said. large Alaskan malamutes were barking Tidwell suspects the wolf was trying Like others in the valley, including at the wolf from a fenced-in yard. to draw the dogs out. Fish and Game officials, Tidwell thinks The barking drew the wolf down “I think it would have been the end the wolves are taking advantage of an the hill and across the road to within of those dogs,” he said. easy food source. In the Golden Eagle yards of the dogs, Tidwell said. For Tidwell said he opposed the original subdivision in lower Greenhorn Gulch, perhaps a minute or more, the of wolves to the north- homeowners have been feeding winter- walked back and forth along the fence ern Rockies back in 1995. He said he’s ing elk near Timber Gulch for years.

International Wolf Winter 2009 21 “I think we have a congregation of they spotted the pack near another Though Fish and Game plans to elk that’s not natural,” Tidwell said. “It’s downed elk. continue hazing the pack whenever it like a smorgasbord for these wolves.” “They all seemed to be napping,” comes too close to residential areas of It was wintering elk that originally Williams said. the valley, in the end it will likely be drew the pack out of its normal range The Phantom Hill wolves’ recent Mother Nature that pulls the wolves in the mountains north of Ketchum to advances into the mid-valley in places away. As soon as slopes begin to green the foothills above Sun Valley several like East Fork, Greenhorn Gulch and up and draw elk higher into surround- weeks ago. Randolph Williams, a resi- Creek have a lot to do with the ing ranges, valley residents will have dent of Elkhorn, was able to view all 10 pack’s growing ranks. With more likely seen the last of this year’s easy wolves from a distance with the help mouths to feed, the wolves must cover wolf viewing. n of local wolf advocate Lynne Stone. more ground. “They were high up on the face of a When the pack was smaller, the http://www.mtexpress.com/index2. ridge above the Elkhorn Bluffs and were small groups of wintering elk north of php?ID=2005125337 walking, rolling and lolling in the snow, Ketchum were enough for the pack, very near to the carcass of an elk they said Regan Berkley, Magic Valley regional had recently taken down,” he said. wildlife biologist for Fish and Game. At least two more times, Williams But now, she said, the pack is probably was able to drive out to a viewpoint to seeking out a larger home range that view the pack. When he and several covers more winter elk range. This wolf (outside fence, looking in at dogs) others met up with Stone the last time, is among several seen in the winter of 2008 in Idaho’s Wood River Valley. It is believed elk feeding in area yards brought the wolves closer to homeowners than in the past, creating a stir. C urt Tidwell

22 Winter 2009 www.wolf.org New Conservation Model Turns Opponents into Partners by Hank Fischer

ometimes we ask the Endangered Species Act to do more than it is Scapable of. That’s the case with wolf recovery in the northern Rockies where environmental groups have filed lawsuits in hopes of gaining further protections for wolves in Yellowstone and central Idaho. Wolf populations are doing quite well in both areas. Because there are an estimated 1,600-2,000 animals, many biologists believe they are near their Many allotments created over a biological capacity. But when wolves century ago permitted grazing wherever leave core protected areas (comprised grass was available. But the new conser- primarily of national parks and federal vation ethic has made a reassessment of wilderness areas), mortality rates rise public land use necessary.

dramatically. What’s to be done? R ick M etzget The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) believes there are options far more effective and much less polar- izing than calling in the lawyers. In What is a Grazing “The need to weigh and balance 2002, NWF began a project designed competing uses (of public lands) to retire public-land grazing allotments Allotment? . . .became more acute as that experience chronic conflict with A Short “Q and A” wildlife such as wolves and grizzly Congress passed new laws Conversation with bears. Many of these wildlife/livestock dealing with multiple-use, conflicts have been festering for Hank Fischer decades. The standard tactic has been conservation of watersheds, to try to compel federal agencies to or members and readers living east and protection of of the Mississippi River, the term administratively cancel troublesome F endangered species.” leases. Over the last thirty years, this “grazing allotment” may be vaguely approach has generated a tremendous familiar but not clearly understood. amount of controversy and a small However, the legal status of grazing legal document that specifies the measure of change. allotments constitutes one of the most terms for grazing livestock. The typical NWF believes the approach fails controversial issues in western public term for a public land grazing lease is because it doesn’t recognize that grazing land management. Hank Fischer agreed ten years. leases have economic value. Ranchers to answer some key questions about When federal agencies created public have the ability to sell public land the ranching industry and the use of land grazing allotments more than a grazing permits to one another, and these allotments. century ago, they were permitted banks even loan money based on their IW: What is a grazing allotment? Is it almost anywhere grass was available. value. So it is understandable why the same thing as a grazing lease? But as conservation on public lands canceling a lease without compensa- FISCHER: A grazing allotment is a evolved, the need to weigh and balance tion causes so much controversy and ill specified area of public land where competing uses increased. This became will. Many of these grazing permits are federal agencies allow private individ- more acute as Congress passed new continued on page 24 uals to graze livestock. The lease is the continued on page 24

International Wolf Winter 2009 23 New Conservation Model The vast tracts of public lands in the West include federal continued from page 23 wilderness areas, national parks, Bureau of Land worth hundreds of thousands of Management lands and dollars. national forests. As the conservation ethic has become NWF grazing retirements are L isa R obertson completely voluntary. The organization established, these public lands only approaches ranchers who hold are managed for multiple uses including recreation, wildlife grazing allotments that have a history of habitat and livestock grazing. chronic conflict. Because these are diffi- cult places to run profitable operations, we have found that livestock producers holding these allotments are frequently Grazing Allotments although conflicts do sometimes motivated to make a change. continued from page 23 occur. Hikers and horseback riders NWF offers ranchers a cash payment sometimes don’t close gates, and in exchange for agreement to waive laws dealing with multiple-use, conser- hunters sometimes mistakenly kill their grazing permit back to the U. S. vation of watersheds, and protection of livestock or frighten them with gunfire. Forest Service. We simultaneously endangered species Many campers don’t like sleeping near reach an agreement with that land- IW: Why do ranchers need grazing cow pies and flies, and many outdoor management agency to permanently allotments? enthusiasts object to the presence of retire the allotment. The cash payment livestock in wilderness areas. But by is significant enough to allow the FISCHER: Many western states have and large, conflicts between recreation- rancher to secure new grazing in areas substantial acreage of public land. ists and livestock are manageable. without wildlife conflicts. These lands are managed for multiple uses, and livestock grazing is one of the IW: How can International Wolf Center This may be the most successful members contribute to this program, wolf-conservation program that no one permitted uses. Because the West is so arid, larger acreages are necessary for and what is a reasonable amount to has heard about – that’s the conse- donate? quence of change without controversy. raising livestock. In fewer than seven years we have IW: Can anyone get grazing allotents? FISCHER: IWC members can make closed thirty grazing allotments totaling Are there rules for qualifying for allot- donations to NWF’s Wildlife Conflict more than 550,000 acres – an area ments? Resolution project at 240 N. Higgins, larger than Grand Teton National Park. Missoula, MT 59802. To date the size FISCHER: Ranchers applying for of our contributions has ranged from These include what agency experts grazing permits must have private have suggested are the five most prob- $10 to $50,000. Because the cost of property near the area where they seek many of our grazing retirements lematic grazing allotments in the the lease. Yellowstone ecosystem. exceeds $100,000, we rely heavily on IW: What government agency or agen- A market approach to changing large donors and foundations, but cies administer grazing allotments? grazing patterns can turn opponents everything helps! n What rules, if any, apply to the use into partners and provide a positive of land under the allotment system? solution to chronic conflicts between livestock and large . NWF FISCHER: Both the U.S. Forest Service believes this grazing retirement and the Bureau of Land Management approach can provide a new conserva- administer grazing allotments. Grazing tion model that reduces litigation, laws are defined by the Taylor sustains agriculture and reconfigures Grazing Act and the Public Rangelands grazing to locations where it is compat- Improvement Act. ible and sustainable. n IW: If grazing allotments are on public land, does that mean anyone can use Hank Fischer has been involved with wolf these lands for other purposes such as restoration in the northern Rockies for recreation (hiking, horseback riding, over thirty years. His book Wolf Wars etc.)? If so, is there conflict between chronicles the bio-political battle to bring recreational users and ranchers? the gray wolf home to Yellowstone. He currently works for the National Wildlife FISCHER: Recreational uses are gener- Federation in Missoula, MT. He can be ally compatible with livestock grazing, reached at [email protected].

Want to find out more about the NWF’s Wildlife Conflict Resolution Program? Visit www.nwf-wcr.org to learn how you can help. C enter I nternational Wolf

24 Winter 2009 www.wolf.org