The visibility of wolves in some localities of the United States has become rare, particularly the gray and red variety. This condition is known as extirpation, an endangerment of the species around the region. Because of this issue, wildlife managers began to reintroduce wolves to Idaho and to the Yellowstone National Park. For this matter, the U.S. and Mexico has created an agreement.
Although the plan to avoid the extinction of such mammals has gained positive reviews, there are those who are not in favor of this development. In fact, debates are still ongoing on whether to bring back the wolves to the wilderness or not. Perhaps a number of pros and cons can help you in judging this critical issue.
List of Pros of Wolf Reintroduction
1. Bringing Balance to the Ecosystem.
The eradication of wolves from the Yellowstone National Park in the U.S. has allowed the increase of deer and elk population in the past years. The overpopulation of these animals has resulted to the denudation of forests and vegetation in the area. Through program of recovery, this will instill balance because elks will be hunted by wolves to minimize overpopulation.
2. Perfect for Ecotourism.
According to advocates of wolf reintroduction, this program will encourage tourists to visit the said areas. This development will enable the influx of income for the local government in which they can use for the maintenance of forests and to take good care of other living species.
3. Controlling Wolves to Avoid Hunting Livestock.
Despite the fact that wolves are natural born predators, this can be controlled with the use of science and technology. In fact, by attaching GPS devices to their body, it will be easier to monitor their mobility and to keep them from hurting farm animals. Enclosure such as fences can also be used to keep them away from livestock and people.
List of Cons of Wolf Reintroduction
1. Can Be Harmful to Livelihood.
With the presence of wolves, critics claimed that they are concerned with the loss of their livelihood and livestock. More so, they are a threat to the population of deer in the area as it will be divided among them and the wolves. They are also fearful that wolves will attack sheep and other domestic animals.
2. Wolves are Already Present in the Area.
According to conservationists, the program is no longer necessary as there are wolves present in the area that have migrated. So their number is allegedly enough to avoid extinction. They say that the reintroduction is no longer a necessity.
3. Added Expense Using Taxpayer Money.
According to opponents of the program, they are concerned that the government will just use taxpayers’ money for the wolf reintroduction. The cost of reintroducing one wolf will range from about 200,000 to 1 million dollars. They also argue that ranchers deserved to be compensated for loss of their sheep from wolf attacks which can likewise be added expense involving taxpayer money.
Final Thoughts
The program of the U.S. government is significant to balance the ecosystem as well as tourism. However, issues regarding the groups of activists against wolf reintroduction will never cease to exist. Perhaps a deeper understanding of the factors involved here should help in making the decision.