In 30 years of working with wolves, there is always one constant, and that is that wolf reintroduction brings up strong emotions and misinformation. Dave Gibbons’ letter (Feb. 25) proves this when he states, “Only the idiots in Denver voted for proposition 114.”
The fact is that support for wolf reintroduction comes from all across Colorado. In La Plata County 52.7% of voters were in favor of the measure as were 37.7% of voters across the Western Slope. Voters in favor included ranchers, hunters and pet owners in both urban and rural communities. So it isn’t fair or accurate to call your neighbors idiots.
Mr. Gibbons also writes that Colorado laws concerning wolves killing livestock are “crazy” and that they are different than surrounding states. The majority of the country’s wolves, including Colorado’s, have recently been protected under the Endangered Species Act, which has federal rules and guidelines that are designed to protect wolves and livestock producers. States that have biologically stable populations of wolves are managed differently than Colorado, which is one of the last and most important states to have a viable wolf population.
We all have a right to our own set of opinions, but not our own set of facts. Living with wolves and predators is different than living in a sterile, predator-free environment. There will be problems that need to be solved, but if we believe in the science and work together as a community, we can all enjoy the benefits of a biologically healthy environment.
Joe Bodewes
Durango
