Compensation Bill is a Step in the Right Direction

This is an excellent step toward helping ranchers and wolves coexist. Making sure that ranchers are compensated for any livestock they may lose to wolves makes wolves on the range less of a financial liability and takes away that motive for any would-be poachers. Also, it keeps ranchers from having to bear the burden of easing the state's conscience regarding wolves. This kind of cooperation is needed more often. Now we will see if both sides stick to the agreement.

Update: This bill passed the Oregon House unanimously! I'm going to take full credit for you guys, my loyal readers, taking action and supporting this bill. (Or not.)

Environmentalists in Wolves' Clothing

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has issued a kill order for a third wolf found to be preying on livestock outside of Joseph, Oregon. Cascadia Wildlands, a group that apparently opposes the killing of any wolf ever, also opposes the killing of this wolf. The ODFW has already killed two problem wolves, and most of the other wolves in the Imnaha pack have moved south. By killing the latest problem wolf, the ODFW has the chance to push this pack of wolves deeper into the wilderness where they will be less likely to encounter livestock, pets, and anyone else who doesn’t want to see them.