Predatory Politics Surrounding the Red Wolf

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/04/07/3156950/re-endangering-the-red-wolf.html#storylink=cpy

The red wolf (Canis rufus) is the only species of wolf native to the southeastern United States. Once abundant, the species was declared extinct in the wild by the USFWS in 1980. Following years of captive breeding, the USFWS reintroduced red wolves into the wild in 1987. Of multiple sites chosen for reintroduction, only Alligator River NWR was successful. Today, over 100 individuals live in the wilds of eastern North Carolina.

Currently, North Carolina's Wildlife Resources Commission is pushing to legalize the hunting of coyotes (Canis latrans) during nighttime hours. Red wolves bear a striking resemblance to coyotes, and are therefore potentially at risk if this legislation passes. Hunters have, for years, "accidentally" harvested red wolves when hunting coyotes.

Nighttime hunts would lead to an increased margin of error, and place this endangered species in further risk. This legislation, in no way, should be considered. It is my hope that the courts, by means of the Endangered Species Act, strike this bill down. Science states that hunting does not impact coyote populations, and therefore is an ineffective management tool. Why then would a bill with zero rewards, but the potential for massive losses, be considered? A group known as the NC Predator Hunters Association has been petitioning for this change of legislation for years.

I find the sheer idea of a predator hunting association to be vile. Those who must assert their reign as the ultimate apex predator through the killing of natural alpha predators have no place in the woods, and furthermore, certainly deserve no place at the table when it comes time to discuss policy changes. If you visit their page you will find a wide assortment of pictures chronicling their hunts: hunts reminiscent of the period prior to the establishment of laws protecting our natural resources. A period which devastated many species of wildlife.

Point being: NCWRC should nix this legislation before it ever gets off the ground, and they should base future management decisions off science, not the opinions of a small group of ignorant hunters.