Editor’s note: Wausau Pilot & Review gladly publishes commentary from readers, residents and candidates for local offices. The views of readers and columnists are independent of this newspaper and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wausau Pilot & Review. To submit, email [email protected] or mail to 500 N. Third St., Suite 208-8, Wausau, Wis. 54403.
Dear editor,
As a tribal leader, I wish to share some perspective on the wolf population and their impact on the people and property of those who reside in what’s now known as Wisconsin.
The vast majority of the conversation in the northern part of the state focuses on concerns about wolves. Even though the main prey for wolves in Wisconsin are deer, beaver, and in central areas, turkey, the less frequent wolf incidents involving livestock and domestic animals grab the headlines and provides political fodder perpetuating the story of the big bad wolf. Other predators and threats to ecological systems are often overlooked with an overblown obsession with wolves.
For example, coyote populations-estimated at 20,000 to 40,000, versus and estimated wolf population of over 1,000-adapts to both rural and urban settings and causes significant disruptions. Coyotes account for significant predation of deer fawn populations, damage property, threaten livestock, negatively impact agricultural practices, kill family pets and can carry rabies while also crossing paths with humans while scavenging through garbage. Wolves, on the other hand, while occasionally threatening livestock, have a less frequent and localized impact.
Wolves are far outnumbered by coyotes. Coyotes reside in both urban and rural settings and cover a far greater geographic area than wolves. This alone provides a different perspective on how humans and their possessions are impacted and where the greater threat resides.
Of course, coyotes are but one part of the ecological equation. They are not solely responsible for the depredation and damage either. Deer numbers, for example, may be down for a variety of reasons. There’s not as many deer hunters. Some hunters don’t register their deer, skewing the numbers. Management plans do not always follow scientific data. Chronic wasting disease and decreasing habitats with natural diets impact deer populations. Increased human interaction with deer herds leads to more death. Ignoring the wisdom of Tribes and how we manage our lands overlooks proven methods to deliver ecological balance. There certainly are more causes to list beyond these and the wolf.
Humans, regulatory agencies, legislators must view the ecological system from a cumulative perspective to ensure a healthy ecological balance for the health and well-being of future generations. For these reasons, and many others, our Tribal Council encourages Governor Evers to veto SB139/AB137.
Respectfully,
John D. Johnson Sr. – Tribal President, On Behalf of Tribal Council
Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
