Peter and the Wolf…Should Idaho Control Its Wolf Population?

08.28.2009

Photo Credit: Dalliedee

What is the role of man in balancing, controlling, and restoring the natural world? This is a question that is fiercely debated and difficult to answer. In Idaho, a state that possesses a vast amount of wilderness and species, this question is one of the most prominent topics in assessing environmental issues.

Wolves were once an important predator that roamed Idaho’s forests. However, due to their impact on farmer’s livestock, they were completely eradicated from Idaho. In 1995, the wolf was reintroduced and under federal protection, the population has increased dramatically. The rapid growth of wolves in Idaho has led to ecological changes such as a decrease in deer and elk populations. Now, for the first time ever, there will be a hunting season for wolves in Idaho in an effort to control the population and restore ecological balance in Idaho’s forests. The hunting of wolves in Idaho is heavily supported by farmers, hunters, and Idaho’s Fish and Game department. It is opposed by most environmental groups and many Idaho citizens.

This issue truly highlights and begs the question of man’s role in nature. I believe most of us would like to see nature minimally impacted, allowing the laws of nature to control species population numbers and ecological balance. However, in most cases today, the ecological balance of species has already been disturbed previously as is the case of the wolf in Idaho. Should humans be the shepherds of the animal kingdom, or should we allow the laws of nature to control species populations and diversity?

As I believe with most issues, the smartest course of action must be based on sound science and fact. First of all, the reintroduction of the wolf was a human initiated activity and not a natural occurrence. Therefore, the control of wolves is a regulation of an ecological disturbance that we have caused. If the wolf in Idaho is upsetting the ecological balance as the scientists in the department of fish and game perceive, it is justified for the wolves to be controlled for the greater good of all species. From a citizen’s perspective, one must be certain that the decision is ecologically based and founded on science and not that of interest groups, politicians, or business.

The wolf issue in Idaho evokes philosophical, economical, and emotional responses. In order to find true compromise and balance for nature and civilization alike, the decisions surrounding species ecology must be based on scientific fact and allow for a path to human and species ecological prosperity.