TAKE ACTION FOR WOLVES Tell the US Fish & Wildlife Service, "NO WAY, DON'T
CHANGE THE 10J!" The 10(j) Rule is the special rule governing how Northern
Rockies wolves are managed as an endangered species. Under the proposed 10(j)
rule changes: • The state agencies’ ability to kill wolves for having
“unacceptable impacts” on deer and elk would be made much easier. •
Instead of having to demonstrate that wolves were “the primary cause” of
an ungulate population decline, Idaho Fish & Game would only have to show
that wolves were “a major cause” of wild ungulates before going ahead
with disastrous plans like the Clearwater wolf killing proposal [1] which was
stopped last year. • For the first time, outfitters, guides, hikers and
hunters would be allowed to kill wolves if their stock animals (a horse mule,
donkey or llama used to transport people or their possessions) or dogs were
attacked, chased, harassed or molested by wolves. That could include wolves
acting in defense of their pups on national forest lands or wilderness areas.
• The new proposal would set a minimum population of 600 wolves (or 60
breeding pairs). There are currently more than 1300 wolves (or 85 breeding
pairs) in the region. More than 700 wolves in the region could be killed
under the conditions set forth in this new 10(j) Rule. Comments on this rule
change must be received by October 11. Email WolfRuleChange@fws.gov and
include "RIN 1018-AV39,'' in the subject line. Mail written comments to: U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, Western Gray Wolf Recovery Coordinator, 585
Shepard Way, Helena, Montana 59601
[1] http://www.friendsoftheclearwater.org/node/93
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