" wolf mortality was ok before delisting, but not now? i hope this wakes up ordinary property owners and 2nd amendment supporters that wolf extremists are not concerned about the wolf, but a much bigger agenda. The extremists already have 3 times the numbers of predators than originally hoped for, and plenty of protection, but they want more. Earthjustice is located in Oakland CA . Lets increase the wolf population in that state, and then the wolves could eat the coyotes who are attacking the children in that state-three in the last week!! "

" What a bunch of shi_. Get a friendly liberal judge throw more bull, cloud the issues, cost a whole lot more money. The Eco-nazi's are not content to achieve the initial goals and will always push to get more and more. Put wolves in every state then they may be content. But I doubt it "

" I really think they should push publicizing the coyote attacks in california. Imagine if they had been wolves. If you let the wolf population increase to that of the coyotes, that is what you'll get. "

" Where was Earth Justice when Copperleaf was in the planning stage? Heavy residential development is a far bigger threat to the wolves then the Wyoming delistment plan, yet it seems that only locals are/were trying to fight it.

That said it is a joke what the judge said, many wolves were being killed by gov officials before delistment. Looks like the feds will have to go up in the helicopters again.

Also since they're filing in MT that makes it a 9th circuit court, great just great. "

" Every comment so far is spot on. Well said Jim. This pinhead Molloy needs to go to FWS gray wolf web page and read just a few of the many hundred control actions. It is unsettling that the judge in this case is as equally uninformed as the plaintiffs. "

" three cheers for Judge Molloy and for all the 'eco-Nazis" who understand that all the Wyo ranchers want to do is go hunt them some wolf...but wait...then what are they going to whine about when their cattle get killed if they can't blame it on the wolf? The wolf shouldn't have been delisted and only backwards states like Wyoming don't understand that. Give me more judges like Molloy. Yep, this used-to-be-Republican (before Cubin and Bush antics) is going Blue Blue Blue. "

" This judge has been on the green side from my understanding for quite a while.Maybe somebody is getting a little something for their level of authority. "

" There is not much to add to what you guys have said, except it is getting rather scary to see the lengths that environmental groups will go to to take away personal property rights and the right to protect our homes. If you read their 990 tax reports they do not have to break down where their money is coming from, nor what they do with it. "

" If you just look at the statistics and not be so clouded with emotion you might come to a different conclusion. Sympathy goes out to any ranchers who've lost livestock, but the reality is this: the number of sheep/cattle deaths attributed to wolf attack is miniscule compared to other causes(it ranks below dogs, bobcats, poison, and malnutrition). If you start killing wolves randomly, you end up with no leadership in the packs, which then lead to uneducated wolves looking for easy kills(livestock).
Wolves are a top line predator, which means that the benefits they bring far outweigh the negatives.
And by the way, would you like to know the total number of wolf attacks that have taken place in North America(since the beginning of recorded history)? 27. Wolves are not out to attack humans.
Also, I don't think that wolf reintroduction is strictly being promoted by "greenies." I've heard many hunters praise this move, saying that it actually promotes healthy elk and deer populations.


"

" Whoa! wait a moment, change the rules again? Wolf numbers multiplied by seven? WGFD is fully capable of manageing wolf numbers and out of state enities need to butt out of Wyoming affairs. Get wolfs in your own state, and get a life. "

" I get a little tired of hearing about the losses being irrelevant and so small they don't matter. I think that attitude woulc be put into perspective if all of the wolf supporters could be paired with ranchers on a one to one basis and that wolf supporter could pay the insignificant cost of the cows, horses, or sheep that rancher loses to wolves. And non of the nonesense that a consumed carcass can't be confirmed. If the wolves have eaten that much they probably also killed it, and the benefit of the doubt shoudl be given to the rancher.
Are you willing to put your money where your mouth is Mr. Keedy? After all a few thousand out of your pocket is miniscule right?
I am very concerned that the judge's statement that he does not want any more wolves to die, signals where he is going with this ruling, And of course that is the reason this lawsuit was filed in this particular court, the judges are very green.
Many times the agreed upon number of wolves means nothing at all. "

" Jason:
I am an avid hunter and have seen first-hand a big reduction in the elk herd in the upper Greybull area. (Having 5% elk calf recruitment will cause that in a population). I am not apposed to having wolves, but I'm darn sure opposed to having an uncontrolled population of wolves. If the wolf population increases unchecked at a geometric rate, just what do think those additional wolves are going to eat??? Of course they will eventually move into the ag/ranch lands. That's what this whole process is trying to address, i.e., provide protection in Yellowstone/Grand Teton parks and the surrounding wilderness areas. I keep reading where the wolf is not being protected in 90% of Wyoming. That "statistic" is true, however, 95% of the wolves are in that other 10% of the land. "

" First, I would like to point out that it has been 40 years since liberals have been in power; there are very few liberal judges left. Second, the wolf question has nothing to do with the argument about guns. Third, the suit is about Wyoming giving adequate protection to its resident wolf population. The answer to this question is an obvious no.
I would also like to point out that the ranching industry generates no wealth for the state, unlike the tourist industry.
Perhaps if Wyoming developed a real strategy to protect its endangered flora and fauna these environmental groups would back off. I am personally tired of Wyoming using my tax money to support anti-environmental special interest groups.
"

" well you guys pretty much summed it up. the wacko wolf lovers must have hand picked the judge for this deal. he needs to see what is happening in the real world.

Jason keedy;
you are an idiot. i can not argue that other problems kill more livestock than wolves but why should have "another" killer that we can control and not control it. i dont know what hunters you have talked but none of the hunters i talk to want wolves our elk herd is, or was, just fine. "

" To Jason: I've been guiding hunters in the Thourofare for 27 years....and definitely since 1995! Not one of my hunters, resident or non-reisdent, and none of our other guides hunters.....and I mean NOT ONE has been in support of the Wolf reintroduction! What hunters are you talking about? "

" Jason Keedy and Michael R.,
Please check out the video on www.saveourelk.com to see what the misguided wolf "reintroduction" in Wyoming has done to our ungulate population. Warning: it's very graphic. I don't think either of you panty-waists have the guts to view actual wolf kills, but if you are going to argue in favor of wolves, you need to become educated. You can't keep arguing for wolves without knowing what they do for fun. It's sickening.
"

" 39 dead wolves? Thats the best we can do? come on people! I figure about 400 more dead ones would be where we need to be. "

" Hey Tguide wonder where EcoIdiot is?Mr. Keedy hate to bust your comment but younger wolves are schooled by the so called educated wolves you speak of at a very young age to prey on livestock because they are easy to kill.Let's face it cows are not bred to be smart but to sustain humans as a food source.That being said my point is most cows will stand there and meet there demise without even knowing what's about to happen.What amazes me is that the pro-wolf campaign people really think that the wolves will not increase in numbers as they have since the very beginning of this whole debacle just because some have been harvested outside the trophy zone.Half of the first 13 wolves shot in Sublette county were already going to be harvested by the feds for cattle attacks.I know this is fact because I heard it right from one of the wardens who is directly affected with the new policy.I don't care if wolves are here,just the fact that people who don't live here think they have more right to say how we need to adhere to their personal agenda.The whole North American continenet was inhabited by wolves at some time,so why are we not introducing them to states all over this union?I am sure the states of Maine,Vermont,Oregon,Washington,California and many others have an ecosytem that can sustain a healthy wolf population so what's the hold up? "

" Two facts to clear up. Tguide, if you actually ever did guide on the Thouroghfare, you'd know how to spell it. highmarkin, like I've told you before, real Wyomingites SUPPORT wolf reintroduction. If you were from here, you'd know that. I'm part of a large group of Wyoming hunters who are glad the wolf is back to cull out the weak and sick in the wildlife herds. That's why they were introduced in the first place. It doesan't bother me that the wolves move the herds around more. I get an elk and a deer EVERY YEAR. Maybe you guys aren't very good hunters in the first place if you're crying about this. Stay in your own state to hunt. "

" these phony hippocrites have clearly exposed themselves-these folks don't want any citizens of this country to legally kill wolves. and they are willing to spend zillions to make sure that only the government can kill wolves, but only after wolves have destroyed private property. I imagine if i choose to read the paper, i will hear all their whining for quite awhile. I think i'll just head to the woods!! "

" Don't know highmarkin! But, I'm waiting for his reply. "

" To be honest EcoSprite....we both misspelled it! I don't need to justify to you anything that has to do with the Thorofare! The facts here are your not blogging to add any knowledge, your just spouting off to get people's eire up, and this just adds to your idiocy! "

" To Michael R.- are you really that stupid? "

" ecosprite believes wolves only kill the weak and the sick. that is a total falacy, as the head of the wolf program in Yellowstone (i think his name is Mike Phillips) will tell you. A few winters ago, 46% of wolf kills were bull elk. They kill whatever they can catch. And i would bet that if WY had a vote on the issue, we wouldn't have wolves! But since we do, why not give the citizens credit for getting along with them. There has been very few prosecutions in the tri state area, and if everyone was S S and S, then how do account for the 25-30% annual increase? The wolf factory(as the biologists would call it) is in great shape, and can handle reasonable mortality. And all the whiny huggers should except that and go try to help some humans! "

" No Tguide, you're still mispelling it. And if you want more proof that the people of Wyoming support wolf introduction, go to the KGWN website and take a look at the latest poll figures on shooting wolves. I'd say you guys are on the wrong side of the solution. But that's OK because you don't live here so quit trying to promote a special interest policy Wyoming people DON'T WANT. Stay in your own state. "

" EcoSprite: Aren't you the one who claims to have parents in DesMoines, but, your trying to tell us your native in Daniel? And no, I didn't misspell THOROFARE. Keep trying, your still just doing what I said above. Matter of fact, your the same rabble who usually goes by earthling! Have you been to Pinedale yet? Or do you have the guts? And, as you know, I'm here in "Ole" Wyoming! "

" EcoSprite! Anyone, in state-out of state, whatever, or whoever can vote in this kind of poll! Why don't you come out from behind your mommies skirts earthling! I sure you voted on it from your out-of-state hookup! "

" Meet me at the junction there Eco and I will show you what a REAL WYOMING NATIVE is.Your alligator mouth is writing checks your canary a-- can't cash.Good thing for mapquest otherwise you wouldn't even know where Daniel was.Your a hack and everyone here knows it.Why don't you go on down to the GRB and tell everyone there how good the wolves are and see if you even get one drink of your beer before someone plumbs you up.Obviously a few weeks ago you missed the fact that out of over 800 phone calls to the Gov. only 3 were from Wyoming residents.So you can take your poll and cram it.Maybe the three people were all three of your personalities.Change your name to Betty Crocker because all you are doing here is stirring up crap and showing your ignorance.And as far as my hunting skills go I have harvested an elk for every year I have been able to hunt here so make that twenty for me.By the way I will be enjoying my RESIDENT moose tag there EcoDope for area 25 now that my fellow hunters have removed the biggest debacle ever brought to this state.Hey Tguide, remember we are having a battle of wits with an unarmed person who has a glass window in place of their stomach so they can see where they are going. "

" EcoTurd's comments are not representative of the view of folks that LIVE in the recovery area in Wyoming most certainly, and stray so far off topic as to be completely meaningless and irrelevant. I suppose posing as the spelling police is gratifying to him in some sort of strange way, while adding nothing to the debate. Have you nothing meaningful to add? C'mon earthling - don't just lay there quivering in a pool of urine while people take turns kicking you in the head - come out swinging! You can do better than that my friend.

And, as I have pointed out time and time again, USDA WS, in conjunction with FWS, has been killing SCORES of wolves the entire time they were protected under the ESA. For some strange reason (and I can not figure out why), people were not upset in the least that this was occurring. Of course it was not well publicized, but it should have been. They (USDA WS) should have had a videographer in their aircraft to document the slaughter, and released it to Disney and Discovery channel so all could see the ugly side of introduction. Quick - get the kiddies out of the room! Why now, all of a sudden, is the fact that wolves are being shot SUCH A BIG DEAL? The pro wolf folks should be very happy that the population has exploded to the point we are about to have a hunting season. Why do they not see this as a positive thing? Short of eliminating ranching, ending big game hunting, and imposing gun control, they have accomplished all of their goals. Can’t they just quit while they are ahead? The lawsuit will not accomplish anything and is destined to fail, because Wyoming's management plan is well thought out, provides adequate protection for wolves, and has been signed off on by FWS.

And, as I have pointed out time and time again, USDA WS, in conjunction with FWS, has been killing scores of wolves the entire time they were protected under the ESA. For some strange reason (and I can not figure out why), people were not upset in the least that this was occurring. Of course it was not well publicized, but it should have been. They (USDA WS) should have had a videographer in their aircraft to document the slaughter, and released it to Disney and Discovery channel so all could see the ugly side of introduction. Quick - get the kiddies out of the room! Why now, all of a sudden, is the fact that wolves are being shot SUCH A BIG DEAL? The pro wolf folks should be very happy that the population has exploded to the point we are about to have a hunting season. Why do they not see this as a positive thing? The lawsuit will not accomplish anything and is destined to fail, because Wyoming's management plan is well thought out, provides adequate protection for wolves, and has been signed off on by FWS. "

" Wulf suite? You don't get no stink'in wulf suite at the court house dopes!

I am doggon making me one now out of pelts right here at home. That's where you git ya a wulf suite. "

" Yes indeed, I'd say you all got pretty stirred up about subjects you don't have any control over. Calling me out and such, my what big men you are. But of course that's real easy to do when you know you won't be discovered. That's fine, you have your own insecurities to deal with and you probably should do that instead of trying to tell people what to do in a state where you don't live. Tell Tguide he needs to learn how to read. I'm from Daniel and that's in Wyoming and none of the rest of you are. We support wolves here, always have. We know how to hunt and live off the land and there's nothing wrong with having another predator for competition when it comes to hunting. You guys need to go pick fights with people in your own states. The way you talk, you wouldn't last too long up here. "

" This new suite like most others will accomplish only one thing, it will waste more of the courts time and the tax payers money.

These people are enemies of the tax payer and we should sue them for wasting our money for nothing based only on their ill informed ideas.

Why aren't more people enraged by this waste and why aren't we all taking action against them, NOW? "

" EcoSprite, If you are so far superior to those whom oppose you, why do you stoop to call them names and drawing into question their security and intelligence? I too find your values and tactics to be revolting and a meddling waste of tax dollars. However, I would hope that as you've taken the moral high ground as your own you'd attempt to live up to your self proclaimed superiority. After all the reality is that these people you so loath are your betters. They live and make a living in this high and dry land of harsh realities and they do not take unrealistic anthropomorphic views of wild life and life on this planet on the whole. These people are real Americans, in the real west making the best living that they can and providing resources to those of you that actually do very little in this world but create problems and stir up worthless controversy based on how you "feel" (no indication of thought) about given subjects for the rest of us to deal with. Yes, you have been publically taken task for your misdeeds. Good day and good bye.
"

" As with any radical group, the fringe environmentalist (99% of whom do not live in Wyoming and certainly do not depend upon this land for sustinance) are oblivious to science, logic or reality. They seek to impose their beliefs and values regardless of its impact on other citizens and society as a whole.

Here is the science--from the Fish and Wildlife Service who originally brought canis lupus back (along with Bruce Babbit and Ed Bangs):

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), responsible for administering the ESA for terrestrial and freshwater species and some marine mammals, determined that 30 or more breeding pairs composed of at least 300 wolves, with an equitable distribution among the 3 states for 3 successive years, constitutes a viable and recovered wolf population. That criterion (including the temporal element) was met at the end of 2002. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Nez Perce Tribe, National Park Service, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Idaho Fish and Game, and USDA Wildlife Services. 2006. Rocky Mountain
Wolf Recovery 2005 Annual Report. C.A. Sime and E. E. Bangs, eds. USFWS, Ecological Services, 585
Shepard Way, Helena, Montana. 59601. 130pp.)

So when is enough enough? As of December 2006 there were 1,243 wolves and 89 breeding pairs. There are 371 wolves and 30 breeding pairs alone in the Yellowstone ecosystem. www.fws.gov/Midwest/wolf/population/status-map.htm

I think the good citizens of Wyoming have been and are very hospitable to wolves and environmentalist. Science and FACTS demonstrate that, but that does not generate membership revenue now does it. Nor does it make for a good lawsuit. "

" That's OK there EcoFart I think everyone here knows the truth about you.Throw claim about where you live somewhere else,we know different.Yes I am calling you out to prove you don't live here.Daniel is the largest ranching area in Sublette and there is no one I know standing up and saying what you are.So go finish your book report and kiss mommy good night. "

" I've been reading this blog and the others on wolves and one thing is for sure, the same few jacka$$es can do nothing but post the same inane and fear based points of view regarding what the wolf does. They are all experts, they all live here, they are all tough, they are all ranchers, and they all hunt or guide and would shoot a wolf if given the chance. But a man's reach must exceed his grasp. I'm sure a wolf pelt isn't the only thing they can only get in their fantasy worlds. "

" DAKOTA, I see some pretty thoughtful remarks posted by the natives. I also see some facts as provided from FWS used in their offered arguments.

Where are your facts and logical thoughts? All I read from you is name calling and allegations.

Have you no logical, reasonable argument to add something of substance to this debate? "

" DAKOTA, Many of us have been reading these blogs with you. I do note that many of the Wyoming natives' postings are well reasoned and backed by facts as supplied by the FWS and others. Many of their offered thoughts are in fact quite compelling. You on the other hand, have only made emotive statements, accusations and allegations without any substance to support your obvious position. This is to the detriment of your public credibility. Can you offer, and then substantiate an opposing view in a reasonable, adult manner? Name calling doesn't create sound policy or lead to progress.
"

" EcoSprite,

I have a home in Daniel and can't think of a single person that would back your statement. Having been in Wyoming since 1981 and married to a native whose family goes back to first settlers the current wolf population is out of control. They are killing for the sport of the kill, not for food. I enjoy watching the wonderful wildlife our state offers, including the wolf, but it's sad to find the carcass of any animal and be told it's death was wolves killing for the fun of it. The wolf population was active prior to the reintroduction, ask any hunters that hunt the high country areas around Wyoming. They simply don't come out and visit with us. Now you see them on the refuge, in you back yard, killing your neighbors horses, dogs and cows. They are invading our home areas because they are outgrowing theirs. You explain the death of a beloved pet to a 5 yr old and then tell me I can't shoot them if it happens again.
Anyone who doesn't live in our area really has no clue how scary it is to not be able to let your children play outside right now, or know if your animals will be with you when morning comes. If you want them so bad, please petition your states government to bring some in from Wyoming. Before you know it you will understand, and have the same issues we are currently dealing with. We can even round up some coyotes, look how much CA is enjoying them attacking children. "

" with all the money behind the wolf lobby, one wonders how much has made it too this judges pocket. "

" To Helen and June, I think you are the very same person, and one of the very people I'm referring to, not to mention, you don't read very well. I've also noticed that serious commenters with differing points of view to this topic don't post here any more because you know-it-alls have driven them away with your lemming-like ganging up and shouting them down. It reminds me of what I witnessed at a Bush / Cheney rally one time. Whenever someone asked a question or put forth a point of view Bush and Cheney couldn't defend. the crowd began shouting, "U.S.A.!, U.S.A.!, U.S.A.!" as though they were the real defenders of the truth. Same thing here. And you people think you're reasonable adults with public credibility? Ok...if you say so. I say you're nothing but emotional, closed-minded alarmists with no actual first hand experience in this regard. I seriously doubt you could tell the difference between a wolf and a coyote. Be sure to come back with some more of your version of "U.S.A.!, U.S.A.!, U.S.A.!" "

" DAKOTA: So when you can't defend the facts, logic, science and reality of wolf recovery and the idiocy of this lawsuit you begin shouting Bush and Cheney--as opposed to USA! I fail to see the distinction or relevance. "

" DAKOTA ewe are an idiot. "

" Maybe these wolf freaks will take up Code Pink's new tactic that they are using to try and oust the Marine Corps Recruiters from Berkley; witch craft! LOL. OK, everyone back to group chanting for harmonic resonance!
"

" Dakota: Would you please enlighten us with some facts?

The wolves have been studies for 12 years. The current plan was submitted by wildlife biologists from a state agency and approved by wildlife biologists with a federal agency The wolf numbers far exceed what was originally expected for de-listing. Just what is your problem???? "

" hmmm DAKOTA = EcoSprite? "

" U.S.A.!, U.S.A.! U.S.A.! "

" DAKOTA, Take your meds and get some rest. I had no idea that mental institutions allowed their patients access to the web. "

" Flo: I think he not only "flew over the nest" he landed in it, and his lobotamy didn't work! "

" Looks like pretty much all hate mail here to me.
It;s true that the populations of game animals when reduced by overhunting have a difficult time bouncing back when predators are reintroduced.
However, the problem is overhunting and stats show that we have been doing so for too long.

There are protections in place for proven livestock losses. Historically, most of the livestock lost claims have been bogus, a quick buck; this is why forensic checks is necessary.

The wolf was here first - millions of years first, and although I love venison and elk (and bison meat is sure superior to the fatty cattle most people eat), it's clear to me that the wolf should be back.

They take only surplus young (and looking around, who of you can deny that most of the problem is caused by the expansion of humans - no surplus young are taken if we can help it), the weak and those too old to function in nature.

In other words, they strengthen their prey.

Ever wonder who antelope can hit freeway speed limits? they evolved with the extinct American Cheeta, and now they can beat any animal on earth.

Wolf can't touch a healthy mule deer, and all its beauty and agility is a result of the wolf.
Sheep die when you look at them crosseyed, because they have been protected near forever. This might be our future as well as every domestic of ours.

I used to tell people why they shouldn't kill coyotes, rattlesnakes, or allow kids or others to take potshots at eagles and hawks & buzzards.
Whole lot of disease happens and populations of prey animals crash so hard that they get lower than if predators aren't around.

But mostly I see from above that it's about hate and entitlement, and free use of guns to wipe out anything that moves.
That's been happening for 150 years - ithe results on animal and even plant populations are all on record.

Check out the "Please note" in yellow just below the comment writing spot, next time you use it. "

" God bless Judge Molloy!
Y'all need to get a life and learn to pick on somebody your own size. Poor lil ranchers - hah!
Why're they whining - coz they have nothing better to do. They want something to pick on, which I personally think is reprehensible!
Wolves STAY away from humans; they've learned the hard way, and it's become instinctive, man kills!
Again I say, God bless you, Judge Molloy! "