Is Michigan Lacking Proper Management of Predatory Wolves?

UPPER PENINSULA of MICHIGAN - The Bush and Obama administrations have both made endeavors to delist wolves, only to have their notions foiled by the Humane Society, resulting in lawsuits thwarting their efforts.

Wolves in the Upper Peninsula tallied in single digits back in 1974 when wolves were termed on the Endangered Species List. Erstwhile, the Michigan wolf quanta have elevated at an estimate of 12-15% per year; today the Michigan wolf count is collectively at 600 in the state.

Wildlife experts ask the question of whether the State of Michigan's ecosystem can support a wolf population of 1000 or more. This number could be reached in less than five years, maybe sooner.

This is one the of keynote reasons wildlife experts also bemoan that the issue of delisting ensue as soon as possible. There is an emanate concern that the quality of life of the wolves population could be diminished.

Michigan DNR collectively concurs with such and wishes to employ a precipitous wolf management program as to avert such a scenario. Michigan's Department of Natural Resources are also concerned about the general public taking the law into their own hands. There have been a total of nine wolves illegally killed each year since 2005.

Tim Kobasic, popular host of the radio show,' Trails and Tails Outdoors,' begs to differ from all groups involved. Kobasic wonders if the animal, as well as the environments best interest is in mind.

Said Kobasic, "I want to start holding them accountable," Kobasic said. "When everything implodes and we have to start over again and it damages our environment, our quality of life that we have here in the Upper Peninsula I want to see them held accountable."

"If you don't take the time and assist Mother Nature with the management and harvest quotas and seasons and do it by fair trace methods," he said. "Then you're not doing that species of wildlife any justice because they're going over populate, get sick, and die," Kobasic said.

Conservation Officer Hammill said these numbers are a strong indication that wolf management is needed immediately.

"I don't think it would be occurring nearly as much if people realized that there was some control mechanisms in place," Hammill said. "I think a lot of people just feel helpless right now that this population is out of control and there's no relief in sight."

The issue in regards to the wolf population in Michigan is one that will not be simmering on the back burner for too much longer before it comes to a boil.

Sources:
www.michigan.gov/dnr/
http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/