This video includes a poem I wrote last year about wolves. The full verse is at the bottom of this post, it’s called “I Am Wolf”.
Five innocent wolves have been aerial gunned in Idaho’s Lolo zone since Wednesday. The Wildlife Service killers are out in their helicopters shooting wolves during pupping season, could it get any more disgusting? These wolves have done nothing to deserve this. Puppies are just a few days to a few weeks old and will starve to death if their parents are killed. It makes me sick just to write about this.
Five wolves shot in Idaho’s Lolo zone from helicopter
http://www.koze950.com/2011/05/13/five-wolves-shot-in-idaho%E2%80%99s-lolo-zone-from-helicopter/
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I Am Wolf…
I am wolf. I speak to you for my species. Please stop killing us.
We have walked this earth for thousands of years. We want to live in peace and raise our families. If we occasionally kill livestock it’s because we are hungry and you make it so easy. Nobody is guarding the cows and sheep. We are hunters and so we hunt. You kill billions of animals every year for food yet you blame us for a a few dozen cows?
People chase us with guns and shoot us. They use nasty traps that hurt our legs. Once in Alaska, one of our kind, a mother wolf, was stuck in a leg hold trap for fourteen days, she was so hungry her teeth were broken from eating rocks. Would you like to have your leg or arm stuck in a trap so you couldn’t get away? Then after you have been stuck for days or even weeks, with your family surrounding you but helpless to set you free, someone comes and shoots you?
You make us orphans to starve or kill us with our parents. You chase us in helicopter gun ships, we run for our lives but we can’t get away. Your shotguns riddle us with buckshot. We cry and howl in pain, then we die.This is wrong.We would never treat you this way.
We are wild, we don’t understand your rules. We can’t read signs or understand your boundaries. We are driven by hundreds of thousands of years of evolution. What we do is in our genes. We were put on this earth to keep ungulate herds healthy. We mean you no harm. Please stop killing our families. There is room on this land for both of us. You only have to find a place in your heart for us to dwell.
I am wolf…
June 27, 2010
Nabeki
~~~~
Photo: Courtesy Jason Hahn 2007
Posted in: gray wolf/canis lupus
Tags: wolf plea, wolves suffering, wolf pup
Boulder White Clouds Council
Exposing The Big Game
Footloose Montana
Friends of the Clearwater
Lockwood Animal Rescue Center
Louise du Toit
LUPUSLAETUS
Mercy For Animals
Northern Idaho Wolf Alliance (NIWA)
Predator Friendly®- Because Wildlife Matters
Project Coyote
Project: Wolf
The Nature Conservancy
The Ravensong Group
WildEarth Guardians
Wisconsin Wildlife Ethic-Vote Our Wildlife
Wolf And Wildlife Studies: Jay Mallonee (Independent Wolf Biologist)
Wolf Song of Alaska
Wolves in english ! Les loups en anglais !
WWP's Gray Wolf Page
Yellowstone To Yukon Conservation Initiative
Howling For Justice 
this makes me sick!!!!! i hate every single one of these wolf hunters!!!1 they all need TO BURN IN HELL!!!!!! wolves most definently dont disurve this :'(…if i could i would use my hands to crush all of the wolf hunters…crush them all with my hands!!!!
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Nabeki,
I can’t begin to express my sadness for the loss of these wolves and my outrage for the shameful actions of our government, all of this is motivated by greed and votes. Your poem is a beautiful cry for mercy and I couldn’t stop the tears when I read it. Why this is happening is beyond comprehension.
~Prayers for the Wolves
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Gina,
It’s beyond comprehension because there simply is no reason behind any of this insanity…no reason at all.
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It is so heartbreaking Gina and we are all feeling helpless. They did stop the gunning but I’m sure it’s because they received any outcry, so we did have some effect, even though I’m sure they will deny that was the reason.
I wrote the poem last year, it just flowed, I was feeling such sadness for the poor wolves who have no idea why this is happening to them. We must all pull together, there’s power in numbers.
For the wolves, For the wild ones,
Nabeki
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Salazar is the Captain of whoever is in charge of hiring these thugs in the chain of command. Which at the top, of course, is Obama. The employees that would not do this type of mafia killing won’t speak up or lose their jobs. So then what?
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g…I’m sure there are some in the Interior Department that abhor what is happening to wolves but as you said they are afraid for their jobs. It’s up to us to stand up and be heard.
For the wolves, For the wild ones,
Nabeki
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What people are doing to the animals is a shame. Some day they’re gonna have to pay for that. Look what’s already happening in Japan…. And it’s not over yet people!!!!
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Talk about Japan,with all the flooding and tornados here in the US this year and the year isn’t even over yet.Like you said,AnnMarie ,some day they’re going to pay.
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It makes you wonder Rita.
For the wolves, For the wild ones,
Nabeki
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Some of those to blame: Chandie Morse Bartell, Scott Rockholm, Billijo Beck, Barry Coe, Bruce Hemming, Tom Remington, and PJ Bertsche.
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Oh, and Karen Calisterio, who became hysterical when she saw wolves in wolf country on her property. May they all ROT IN HELL.
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President Obama and President Obama alone is the one to blame for this..HE alone could have struck down the budget until that cowardly rider was taken off the bill…He is a coward a liar and a FRAUD and this Country would do well to get him impeached NOW !!!!
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People keep forgetting that Obama hired Salazar, the buck stops on his desk.
For the wolves, For the wild ones,
Nabeki
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A thousand curses on the evil fascist Gov. “Butcher” Otter and his henchmen with their enemy gunships!
CURSES ON THEM ALL!!!
~May They Be Forced Into Mouth-To-Mouth Resuscitation With An Unclean Camel With Herpes~
Our five wolves are now revered martyrs,
basking in Great Spirit’s glory in Heaven.
May their spirits forever haunt and curse those
who have done evil upon them.
And since these cowards took our furry brethren
from our Mother Earth on Friday the 13th,
THEY SHALL FOREVER BE HAUNTED AND CURSED WITH BAD LUCK!
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“…there comes a time when one must take a position,that is neither safe,nor popular,but he must take it because his conscience tells him that it is right.” by Martin Luther King. May we continue to fight for the wolves and for all the creatures that inhabit the earth.Let us be their voice whether man,bird,or beast. We must pull together for the tribulation that is coming.
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You are so right Rita, it seems we’ve lived a thousand lifetimes since the delisting. We’ve experienced the sadness, elation and sadness again, over and over. We must stick together, I know there is light at the end of this tunnel.
For the wolves, For the wild ones,
Nabeki
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Nice.
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Nabeki,
Is there anyone who can go in and rescue any surviving pups or wolves wounded but not dead?
Wiesy
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I was thinking the same thing all day. Actually wondering how long it would take– very gruesome thoughts, but that is where I was for a large part of the day.
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Unfortunately Wiesy we don’t really know where they are in the Lolo. In a den somewhere? We are in the dark totally about them.
For the wolves, For the wild ones,
Nabeki
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Nabeki, heart hugs and my sincerest gratitude for sharing your beautiful poem once again. The Wolf’s suffering is never easy to witness by sight or in concept, but it is very necessary to continue to bring awareness. Your profound poem expresses so eloquently the agony of being forsaken to ages of unwarranted persecution. Anyone who truly loves and appreciates the Wolf instinctively recognizes this as a part of themselves, responding to the very same questioning…sense of hopelessness…suffering and death. Woefully, those who are not capable of reason, compassion, or any sense of empathy whatsoever will never be able to embrace the nuance of suffering or the injustice of it all. For them, there simply is no currency in compassion or mercy…they are only a sign of weakness.
So be it, and I am blessed to be so weak. My heart bleeds at the realization that there are many who actually rejoice in this Lolo tragedy and gleefully await the upcoming hunts. I hang my head in shame, as I am repulsed by my human ties to this segment of “humanity” and their jagged reasoning.
“Shooters for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services stopped Friday, saying weather conditions were no good for firing at the wolves from a helicopter.”
Whether this simply means that their view was hindered or that their lives were in jeopardy…it matters not. Gov. Otter and the shooters have families, a sense of self preservation, yet they don’t recognize these wolves as worthy of living their lives in peace. I believe conditions are NEVER acceptable for firing upon ANY wolf from ANY aircraft. As the article says: “Conditions were no good” Even Nature herself does not appear willing to offer assistance, seeing this senseless act for what it really is. A sin against her nurturing spirit, and a soulless crime acted out against innocent wolves…by heartless men.
I’m grateful that at least, in part, my prayers had been answered,asking for something unforeseen to thwart the assault. Yet we know this is only a brief reprieve for the remaining wolves until Wildlife Services once again don their yoke of ignorance and make another attempt.
Tonight, I will light another candle…say another prayer…and hope for many many more such imperfect conditions. Whether in the air…or on the ground.
I add my own tears, may they join with the tears of others to make a river, and may that river flow ever outward in communion with the wolves. May their sacrifice not be in vain.
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Please forgive another lengthy comment…
The aerial gunning scenario haunts me. I have seen videos of wolves being chased in the snow,they hear the noise from above,look up and try to out maneuver it. Their expressive faces reflecting a determination to survive, to persevere,struggling to go on although the odds of escape are hindered by the white powder that will seal their fate. Suddenly that expression changes to first realization, then sheer agony as the sting of numerous metal assaults penetrate their flesh. Seized with torment they wince throwing back their heads in anguish, biting at their wounds and thrashing about in the snow now tainted with the stain of their blood…then death…IF they are lucky. But it isn’t an easy death, and often they linger and suffer terribly.
This is the visceral image we need to send out…to remain ceaseless in our campaign to not allow those responsible to remain buffered from the inconvenience of witnessing the grueling sight, or forget their part in it. What adds even more tragedy to the Lolo wolves is a gnawing awareness,that this is only a precursor to all pending slaughters. And we are all too keenly aware as to why this is even an issue.
This is what I want to say to government, and as the ripples flow down from President Obama to every Senator and Governor,(especially Gov. Otter who now has what he wants) By extension the shooters and all others who walk this earth with such casual disregard for the wolf or any other sentient being:
You may or may not have any love for wolves, perhaps to you that’s all they are…just wolves, simply no appreciation for their life or significance at their death. But was it really your job…your place to decide what happens to them? The wolf was your sacrificial pawn, and as you have so cleverly discovered, isn’t always inconvenient. Because of the wolf, you now have your chance to revel in the glory of great success, to be heroes in spite of the betrayal it took to accomplish the deed. What adds insult to injury, you have abused your power, set the trend, and will now exploit any opportunity to eradicate what you see as inconvenient. It has now gone beyond asking whether a wolf delisting rider was right or wrong…rather the knowledge ingrained within our hearts and memories…that you would do it regardless. At the end of the day don’t be so smug, or take so much for granted. How very fortunate you truly are, remember to count your blessings. At the very least, you have lived another day, worked, rested, and played…unperturbed by consequence or conscience. What a gift to enjoy a reasonable certainty that your family is secure and your children will not starve, while hope for another day is your firmament in slumber. Unlike the unfortunate reality for the wolves on the ground in the Lolo region, and all others to follow during this coming hunting season, with only the vagaries of hope. They will be on constant guard with only one certainty… an unnecessary untimely death. But you did your “job” you can be very proud of yourself.
Suffice to speak, I don’t know which sickens me more: the casual malice born of indifference from my fellow man, or the willful abuse of power, at the expense of others, wielded by our leaders. I wouldn’t want to have to live on the difference.
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Again with elegance you express what we’re all thinking. Thank you WL.
For the wolves, For the wild ones,
Nabeki
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And remember this is all being done to increase hunter opportunity for elk hunters that already overharvested the LOLO area…..They have no regard for orphaned wolf pups because these conservatives in the Idaho legislature are hypocrites. The arrogance of man! The ego! All this shitty karma will come back to them guaranteed!!!!
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It was quite windy here today in Western MT- I was thinking it was Mother Nature a bit pissed off…
I hope the bad karma comes back 2 fold and quick.
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These men,if you can really call them that, with their pride,egoes,self worth and self importance,and that just sprew out lies,in order to forward their own selfish gain,either politically or their socially,will be the undoing of anything that is beautiful.No other animal has to go threw what wolves do. You can’t kill a female bear with cubs but wolves are not even given that chance, just kill the adults and the pups in the den will starve.Furthermore it isn’t pretty when these type of people do to the pups when they do find the den. Talk about hoping for some bad Karma to go around..
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I’m serious about the karma going around…
and by the way Nabeki- I am so glad you have your site where pro-wolfers can unite without argument unlike some other blogs where that is STILL going on. The reason I left a year ago! No more SaveBears.
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g….from the very beginning I wanted this to be a place where wolf advocates could talk freely and not be dragged into endless arguments about how many wolves do we need for recovery, should there be wolf hunts and on and on. I’ve made it clear I don’t support wolf hunts at all. How could anyone support killing wolves to increase elk numbers? Or killing wolves for tiny livestock losses? Or whatever reason they trump up. It’s wrong. I’m not afraid to say I’m not a fan of any type of hunting but especially trophy hunting, which I think is a form of animal abuse.
So, I’m glad to provide a place of refuge for wolf advocates who have to put up with so much to support the animals they love. We don’t need to have to argue about whether or not wolves have the right to be here.
For the wolves, For the wild ones,
Nabeki
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******BREAKING NEWS******** Aerial hunt of wolves in Idaho suspended INDEFINITELY due to lack of success!!!! Article just posted on the local news web site here in Missoula, MT. It’s not all good news but a small reprieve for the wolves. Full article to follow taken directly from the Missoulian web site…
“Hunt halted after aerial gunners kill at least 5 wolves in north-central Idaho:”
LEWISTON, Idaho – Aerial gunners in a helicopter have killed at least five wolves in north-central Idaho since Wednesday in an effort to protect elk herds, but the hunting has been halted because it hasn’t been as successful as expected, an Idaho Department of Fish and Game official says.
Deputy Director Jim Unsworth said agents with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services suspended the hunt indefinitely Friday because it was inefficient and expensive. He said some wolf packs are being found by radio collars worn by individuals but the wolves are in thick timber making them difficult to shoot from the air.
“The elk and deer are on green-up down low and the wolves are there with them,” he told the Lewiston Tribune. “They are in that lower-elevation, big-timber kind of stuff. We can find the packs, but you can’t find the wolves to do anything from a control standpoint.”
State officials want to kill up to 60 wolves in the region, leaving about 20 or 30, in the wake of the Obama Administration removing the predators from Endangered Species Act protections last month.
With the aerial gunning from a helicopter having less success than officials hoped, Unsworth said hunting outfitters and their guides in the Lolo Zone have been authorized to shoot wolves during the spring bear hunting season.
Estimates put Idaho’s wolf population at 705, but officials with Fish and Game said the number after this year’s litter of pups may exceed 1,000.
The Idaho Fish and Game Commission is expected to approve a fall wolf hunting season throughout the state, and Unsworth said the commission is also likely to approve trapping for wolves. He said officials might try aerial hunting again following the fall hunt.
“The reality is it’s going to be a long-term effort and we are going to have to use a combination of methods including the control effort and trapping to meet the 20 to 30 goal,” he said. “Some folks think you just show up and take whatever you want when using a helicopter and that is just not the case.”
… This article gives me some glimmer of hope for the wolves in Lolo, but still the danger exists. I am appalled at the ferocity in which Idaho has unleashed on the wolves already and can only hope the lawsuit that was recently filed has some positive effect.
*** on a side note, I’m sorry I’ve been away for a little while here, due to a death in the family and my own medical issues, I just haven’t been able to put forth the energy towards this issue that means so much to me. I’m working on that and have been staying up to date on things. Keep up the good fight!!
T.
P.S. Still EXTREMELY windy here in western Montana with gusts up to 45mph right outside my window here. According to the National Weather Service:
“The strongest winds will blow out of Hellgate Canyon onto the University of Montana and downtown Missoula.”
… that is right outside my front door and I’ve already lost limbs off my trees earlier today when the winds were a lot weaker….
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Thank you Terrence, I think we were both posting at the same time. Of course we know they will continue to hound these poor wolves. Now they are going to allow the hunting outfitters and their guides to kill the wolves during the spring bear hunt, which I believe is going on right now. They also stated they might try aerial gunning again after the fall wolf hunts. They have the nerve to call them fall wolf hunts when in 2009 IDFG commissioners extended the hunt all the way through March 31, 2010, right through wolf breeding and denning season. It seems they want the extra advantage of killing the wolves and their pups at the same time. Who are these people??
For the wolves, For the wild ones,
Nabeki
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The Missoulian article says at least 5 killed- wonder if there were more adults? No mention of the pups of course, they don’t matter evidently.
Now they will have time to leave the area for another dangerous area.
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Those poor creatures tonight. Hungry, crying for their mothers. They’ll be dead in a few days from starvation. Little wimpering souls, cold and confused. Soon they will be over the Rainbow Bridge and we who love them will re-unite in God’s glory when our time comes. So shameful that wolves had to be killed when a quick survey could have determined the fruitlessness of the recent assault on these helpless beings. May whoever shot them rot in hell for not quitting his/her job before they did this. I honestly could not give rat’s ass if you get your paycheck. You should go hungry as well. Then maybe you’ll know what its like to be starving, like those poor little pups you just orphaned.
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The only thing I can think of to help the poor pups that have been orphaned is to go look for them. If circumstances weren’t the way they are for me I’d be there at first light looking for them. I know of a few places to take them where they would be cared for. Anyone in or near Missoula, MT wanna go? I can’t do any back country hiking but I’d be willing to drive people out there to search for orphaned pups…
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I think this is in some high elevation country…
What a slap in the face to the Wilderness Act.
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They’ll snuggle in close with their siblings tonight, rustle a bit searching for mom, then collapse from lack of nutrients. A couple more nights and they’ll just go away. How convenient. I live in ID but to be honest, I’m sure I do not want my tax dollars going to the murder of these innocent creatures. Time to move away, I guess. Not to mention, they shot a healthy innocent cougar in Lewiston yesterday. What the F#&K is wrong with these morons?
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This is all so incredibly sad and horrifying at the same time NotafanofWW2.
For the wolves, For the wild ones,
Nabeki
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The ode to wolves is a heart breaking plea for decency, justice and mercy. Wonderfully written! The blueprint of man must be flawed – at least there is 15% of sociopaths in our population – no normal person could want to cause such misery and harm to majestic, iconic, and noble animals. They have the mean gene and frankly, we shouldn’t have to tolerate this 15%. Also 15% of our population hunts….coincidence, I think not! Keeping my focus and pressure on the federal level – the fight is still THERE – albeit states are distracting us and taking our eyes of the ball with their bad behavior and threats – but the fight is still in federal court!
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Thank you Linda…it came from my heart. I really think wolves would say that if they could. They are such amazing animals, better then many people. Especially their family bonds, which are so strong. I think that’s what the haters dislike about wolves. They know there are thinking, intelligent hunters out there in the woods that could run rings around most human hunters. It upsets them that they’re not the top dog in the woods anymore.
You are so right about the 15%, they are dominating our wildlife because their buddies run the fish and game agencies. They call the “shots’ literally and we have to stand back and take it. That’s the position they have us in now. We have to fight back, I know the lawsuit is looming and can’t wait for the first hearing. But I do think demonstrations would also help to bring the plight of wolves to the American people, who don’t any idea the level of hatred and hostility that’s directed at wolves. It’s absolutely out of control.
For the wolves, For the wild ones,
Nabeki
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It is devastating when you think about what perfect parents wolves are and how nurturing they are; and to think now that their pups are on their own – orphans who will not survive but die an excruciating death from starvation. These are not people who do this – this are sub-human cowards who have been brainwashed by lore, legend, fairytales, and fear-mongering town hall meetings maligning the wolf. But there is something more sinister here as well – the money making machine – the hunting industry is rich, organized and ruthless!!
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DEAREST NABEKI! YOUR POEM SO BEAUTIFUL…MAKE ME CRY… I READ LOT OF TIMES…IT’S SO RIGHT…THIS PERSECUTION IS SO UNJUSTIFIED…TERRORISM ON THE WOLVES…I’M HELPLESS..HEARTBREAKING. GOD BLESS THE WOLVES IN THEIR HOUR OF NEED! SHAME ON IDAHO!SHAME ON IDAHO’S WS! HOWLS!
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I know Agnes, here we are again, at the same place wolves were at in 2009. On the verge of two hunts, more slaughter by WS. We have to speak out. There are plans for demonstrations. The lawsuit is looming. I know this seems like a dark time but there is light at the end of the tunnel.
For the wolves, Fro the wild ones,
Nabeki
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Shooting wolves from above (which is like shooting fish in a barrel) is bad enough, but doing it in the pupping season? That is just sick, and I believe that people are cruel enough to do that.
There is not a doubt in my mind.
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Zarago…to me it’s just animal cruelty plain and simple. Who shoots animals from airplanes for a living??
For the wolves, For the wild ones,
Nabeki
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Come on asteroid!! To stop the suffering of the world, and stop those who continue to spread misery…we can only hope, the next time a man-like creature emerges, the blueprint will be better! Really do think that sub-humans that participate in killing wolves from aircraft or otherwise are sociopathic. It is normal to be lifeward, and find joy in living things. Cruelty and barbarism is the defect.
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PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ALLIANCE FOR WOLVES IN IDAHO, AND WOLF WARRIORS ARE TRYING TO ORGANIZE A “HOWL ACROSS AMERICA’ IN THE SAME WEEK WE ARE PLANNING TO HAVE A RALLY IN D.C. FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT GET TO D.C. – IT WOULD BE GREAT TO HAVE RALLYS ACROSS AMERICA WITH THE PRESS IN TOW! BOOTS ON THE GROUND MAKE CONGRESS NERVOUS, AND THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO VENT OUR INDIGNATION AND OUTRAGE IN THIS CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE BY THE NATIONAL NEWS.
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Is there a time and date set yet?It wouldn’t hurt to keep track of where the presidental campaigns are,so,some of us could rally at our own State or locally .I am waiting for them to start in my state.The ones I have now I won’t vote for because of what they did to the wolves.
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Hi Rita. Tentatively set for July 31st in D.C. – However, subject to change as we need a better showing than the 52 we have now! But still great idea to Howl Across America for those who cannot get to D.C. for various reasons. To check the status of the D.C. rally any time – go to the search bar on FB and type in “Wolf Rally in D.C.”
Your idea for the presidential campaining dates and sites is really GREAT! We need to be organized, b/c they are! The NRA is 4 million strong! I know there are at least that many wolf lovers in this country; but our efforts are scattered and we are not unified.
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LInda…We were thinking we could promote “Howl Across America” to coincide with the DC event for people who can’t make it to DC. Advocates can organize in their own towns and show support for wolves all across this country. It’s time people who love wolves speak out for them. This is when they need us the most. We need to shame Congress, if that’s possible, for what they did. Look how SCI is lurking around, a club who revels in killing animals. This is what the wolves are up against now. Shame on Congress.
For the wolves, For the wild ones,
Nabeki
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Sadly, Safari Club International and the National Rifle Association, in concert, have filed with the federal court to thwart any efforts of the conservation groups to reverse the unlawful delisting of the wolves! SCI and NRA with unlimitless funds, are fighting to uphold the delisting. Their agenda is clear – they want the competition of the wolves for prey animals – gone – dead!!! This is an SOS!
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I am curious on how we could set ourselves up to be a club,like the Safari club,.I know of signing and paying fees and I would gladly pay for mine.I am not that knowlegeble yet in those aspects,but one has to start somewhere for they did.Thank you,Linda,for keeping me informed along with Nebeki.
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That is the problem we have Rita. The anti wolfers have the backing of all the powerful hunting groups plus ranching lobbies. The pro-wolf side has a divided front. We have the large orgs, who don’t seem to connect with the grass roots people very well, then smaller groups like Alliance, Clearwater and WildEarth Guardians, plus WWP who are now our champions. It just shook out that way. We wasted so much time trying to figure this all out, meanwhile the anti wolf crowd always seemed to connect with their grass roots people. We have to take a page out of their book, STAY UNITED.
For the wolves, For the wild ones,
Nabeki
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Actually Linda what SCI and NRA are doing is asking Judge Molloy for standing to join the lawsuit. It’s pretty much what SCI did in the delisting lawsuit. They are not filing anything separate, they want to jump onto it.
For the wolves, For the wild ones,
Nabeki
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I agree Rita and Nabeki –
It would be my dream if we could get EVERY pro-wolf person on FB and beyond to become UNIFIED, AND ORGANIZED like the N.R.A. and our opposition groups. United we would have a lobby to be reckoned with – we would have influence in D.C. It’s the old saying, United we stand – divided we fall….
Our energies are SCATTERED and therefore not very effective.
There are, I would say, many groups on FB that are pro-wolf, that do not communicate with one another.
Also I thought about the fact that almost every state has a wolf sanctuary and if would be good to get that list of members. A good example would be that we are trying to organize a rally in Washington, D.C. to protest the delisting of wolves on or about 7/31/11 – but we only have 52 people that signed up – so far, that wouldn’t be enough to make an impact on the Whitehosue lawn!
BUT on the kinds good news front, Wolf Warriors and Idaho Northern Wolf Alliance – both on FB – are trying to organize a coast-to-coast “howl for America” on the same day of the D.C. rally. Many towns and cities and localities all across America, as not everyone can get to D.C.
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You make many good points Linda. I think part of the problem is that wolves have been so marginalized by the press that we haven’t been able to get their story out there. We also have the utter betrayal by the Democrats, who were supposed to be supporters of the ESA and instead voted as a block in the Senate to politically delist a species to apparently help Jon Tester save his Senate seat, since he is facing a challenge in 2012 by Denny Rehberg. Both are running on the wolf issue and it seems trying to “out wolf” each other. Wolves were betrayed on so many levels. So much went on in a very short period of time. You have the settlement with some of the wolf delisting lawsuit plaintiffs with the USFWS, which left wolves in Idaho and Montana at risk. Then the Senate betrayal. Wolves didn’t stand a chance when you have not only the hunting and ranching lobbies piling on but the traditional supporters, who the grass wolf movement thought they could count on to protect the ESA and wolves, turn their backs, specifically the Senate.
Wolf Warriors and NIWA will be urging people who cannot make it to Washington, DC to hold demonstrations in their own towns and cities, to “Howl Across America” But we are going to need something more to motivate people to stand up for wolves. We don’t have the kind of backing from the conservation groups that the anti-wolf crowd has from the ranching and hunting lobbies. We do have the three conservation groups that brought the lawsuit challenging the delisting rider and also WWP, which is a positive for wolves.
I’m hoping there will be a true show of support for wolves to let Congress know that what they did was terribly wrong and the American people love wolves and do not want to see them slaughtered or treated as game animals, with state game agencies making money off their deaths.
For the wolves, For the wild ones,
Nabeki
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Yes, Nabeki our wolves were clearly betrayed for political agendas and not the science! I wish I had community organizing skills. Our efforts may, in some way, still be in their infancy and it may be a learn as we go situation, but we must keep going – feeling our way in the dark. Your blog is magnificent and a plethora of vital intormation. We also commiserate together and ‘sing to the choir’, and thay is okay – wish wolf-haters were reading your blog. I am currenlty communicating via email with a wolf hater in Idaho. It is frustrating as all hell, but one mind at a time – if I can plant one seed. He is ruthless, telling people and emailing people that wolves will kill their children! I am trying to reason with him, but it will take time. He is just a little extra thing I’m doing but will NOT help the crisis now the wolves are up against.
The strong lobbys – our opposition – have financial incentives to keep them organized – they have dues and they have agendas to win in government, like the cattlemen.
Those of us who care deeply about wolves, have no financial incentive (nor do we need one b/c we have our passion and compassion), but all successful orgs have some other incentive to get and keep people organized.
Was thinking too of major boycotts of tourism and beef and sporting goods stores who sell hunting gear, and thinking if we could contact a farmer’s association to make them see that THEY WOULD HAVE A FINANCIAL INCENTIVE BY GOING INTO THE ECO-TOURISM BUSINESS when their farms bump up against wolf territory. ??? Animals suffer greatly for man’s financial incentives – that is why maybe the farmer may like that he will make more money on preserving wolves than killing wolves.
I have a little ’cause’ page called the GOOD WOLF – trying to restore the reputation of the wolf stolen by lies, legends and fairytales and more recently by fear-mongering town hall meetings and politicians. Samantics hurt wolves too – “the big, bad wolf” , “keep the wolf form the door”, “throw ’em to the wolves” yadda, yadda, yadda!!! Sorry if I am repeating myself on this thread or ranting – I am in a state of exhaustion!
‘Man created dogs; nature created wolves’ !
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Almost forgot, you mentioned your “cause” page,I would dearly love to see it, can you direct me to it? I also have one dedicated to the mighty Wolf.
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They are all so blind Linda, so blind. It’s selfishness and greed that drives wolf persecution. They profit off their bodies, tear families apart, pups die, parents die and this is called “wildlife management” .
And you are right these are mind numbing, soul killing, heartbreaking times.
‘Man created dogs; nature created wolves’ ! ( I love this)
For the wolves, For the wild ones,
Nabeki
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Linda, heart hugs and howls to you. Thank you for your dedication and passion, which is viewed not as ranting, rather something wonderful, to be cherished. Genuine compassion and selfless devotion such as yours will inevitably save the wolf from another tragic extinction. You have also roused noteworthy points and gifted us with wonderful considerations. It’s not too late for us to develop those organizing skills and rise above the injustice. This one concept keeps me going when I’m feeling forlorn: sometimes the good guys do win, even if they appear to finish last.
If you really stop to think about it, our hopes to protect the wolf were questionable from the start. We put our trust in unreliable sources, took our cues from them, and we were tragically incorrect. Now wolves will suffer because of a Congressional tryst with lobbyists who see the wolf as merely another cog in the wheel of agenda, and a divided defense that did nothing but invalidate our cause. And so our situation suffers the complications of a launch problem exacerbated by horrendous betrayal, from both sides, which has left us vulnerable, with our efforts strewn out amongst the ashes. Now we’re in transition trying to create our own independent cohesive. Time to put Humpty Dumpty back together again! We shouldn’t beat ourselves up too badly because we were misrepresented in every way possible. But we can move forward…and we are, although the journey is languorously slow and wearisome, the road laden with obstacles at every turn.
Oh we have the power to do this, but you are so very correct about our efforts being scattered. A most excellent idea, to have all pro wolfer’s unite under ONE mantle. If you look at history, it documents how many battle strategies have failed due to lack of communication and coordination. We are in dire need of much more organization to provide the best possible defense for our wolves. The opposition simply has no scruples and doesn’t really care how they achieve their goal. And we are constantly being shown just how low they will stoop…which is why their plan is working. Never doubt for one single minute that they aren’t tuning in to our little discussions, just to gloat. Ego constantly needs to feed itself.
Like Gline has said on several occasions, maybe we need just a little bit of civil disobedience. This march in Washington, with rallies across the country, is a great way to show our mass appeal., we should even have bullhorns and howl…asking sanctuaries to bring their wolves as representatives of their species. But the end result must…and can only be…to make those responsible feel an actual loss congruent with their unconscionable actions. Boycott…etc.
The common ground between pro-wolfer’s and “anti’s” are: we are both passionate and dedicated to our cause, but that is where we diverge. Anti’s have the upper advantage since their lobbies are more powerful and those alliances are RUTHLESS. If we could only find a way to somehow “even” the score.
I like the idea of appealing to farming associations, at least it’s worth a try. Money is the great equalizer, and certainly an underlying impetus behind many incentives. The key is to find a way in which both wolves and other associations will benefit…to reveal the myriad ways in which to appreciate the wolf.
I also really love your idea about working with local wolf sanctuaries, maybe we could ask them if they are willing to send out flyers to their supporters informing them of this “Howling Across America” I am trying to reach mine and ask them if they are willing to do this, and will offer to print them myself to help buffer the cost. Understandably, they have had concerns in the past about any backlash that might occur if they show support on various campaigns, not wishing that any harm come to their wolves. But this is something benign they CAN do BEHIND the scenes. There are also the companies that give additional support to these sanctuaries providing materials for renovations and other repairs. We might also appeal to their humanitarian sensibilities.
But yet this gnawing question is an ever constant: how to raise awareness, while rattling the conscience of millions of Americans who are tethered to their televisions? We need to find someone with notable celebrity and a willingness to adopt a noble cause. Someone who would see it as a just compensation, simply to right a terrible wrong. And so the following may not apply, but used only as an example. Look at Paris Hilton, she got attention just walking her dog in the street….but what if it were a wolf instead? Excuse the lack of decorum, but we need shock value here: Kim Kardashian recently posed nude in Playboy…but if she had also posed with a wolf…and gave an interview stating her staunch support of wolves… I really believe that would have raised awareness, as it had already gotten everyone’s attention. I am sure there are anti’s and hunters who subscribe and would have balked at that one. LOL.
It’s time for someone to step up, maybe it’s time for another chapter in the “Twilight” series. Any celebrity that may be reading this blog, if all you can do is make a documentary or showcase the wolf’s plight somehow, we would greatly appreciate it. Saving the wolf from another possible extinction, is definitely more deserving of merit then advertising toothpaste.
We have a petition for such a boycott in the works now, if you could please share this wherever possible, it would be most appreciated. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/boycott-an-economy-of-slaughter/
Blessings…
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Thanks Wolf’s Lament
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on search bar on facebook – GOOD WOLF! Thank you Nabeki – shook up tonight – just engaged in hostile discussion with Anti Wolf Northwest group – they are soooooooo sick!!! Foul, cruel, barbaric and maligning wolves.
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Yikes Linda, that would drain anyone, talking to those people. I would not engage in that too much if I were you. It’s like being on a mouse wheel. Going nowhere fast.
For the wolves, For the wild ones,
Nabeki
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Like knocking your head against the wall! At first at seems cathartic then you realize you are just speaking with a bunch of idiots.
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Good one g….
For the wolves, For the wild ones,
Nabeki
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Thank you Nabeki for your kind words of encouragement. You are truly the ‘voice’ of our cause. You are such an eloquent writer, who stays sane, when all around us there is insanity. You come back to ‘center’ and bring us back there with you!!!
I know many of us, out of frustration, are commiserating, and cussing – but we cannot waste too much time, communication or energy on anything that is not helpful to the wolves. Time is of the essence – the 60 day period for Ken Salazar to ruminate over the congressional decision to delist the wolves (a token time period), has almost expired. Began on or about April 10th. Now that 3 conservation groups have filed in court regarding the uncontitutionality of the decision to delist – that may tie things up a tad longer – but to rebut the group of 3, of course we all now know that Safari Club International and the all powerful N.R.A. has filed to fight the objections of the ‘three musketeer groups’ standing up for wolves.
Knowing our government and how corrupt politics work, this may all be a ‘show’ to appease us ‘wolfers’ for a while. They already know what the final answer is. Having said that, we cannot give up until Clem and Earl have loaded up their buckshot and are running barefoot after wolves!
We need to CONSTANTLY change our strategical list on how we can save the wolves from this impending massacre.
Today, personally, I have a list to contact the Whitehouse, yet again, this time also objecting to Candace Miller’s bill HR1819 to delist the wolves in every state in the union, except Alaska.
I will also be contacting my local Pennsylvania Wolf Sanctuary, appealing to them for their cooperation with the “howl across America” rallies and if they drag their feet I will ask them to post something so their membership can call us, and perhaps as individuals they would jump on board. I also plan on contacting the Farmer’s Association with a idea for eco-tourism if their farms abut wolf territory; pointing out that Yellowstone made $36 million dollars
on wolf ecotourism. THAT is incentive! The way farmers are hurting now with weather changes and crop failures and the economy, I would think they would be looking for another hook to hang their straw hats on!
As far as celebrity endorsements for wolves….it would work – it would be fabulous public relations if a big celeb would jump in our corner. Off the top of my head, some celebs who are animal rights activists:
Bob Barker
Betty White
Harrison Ford
Pearce Brosnan
but sure wish we could get LADY GAGA!!!! I don’t know her stand on animals, just that she doesn’t wear fur.
Harrison Ford, interestingly enough, is already involved in a quiet effort with the CEO from Hilton Hotels, and Starbucks, and two others (one is a Mexican Cement Corporation) to create paths so that Yellowstone animals can walk in safety and migrate down to central America. It seems every time an animal left Yellowstone to migrate, there was some Yokel there hunting the animals!!! So Harrison Ford and the others literally bought up land to make a safe passage way for the animals who naturally migrate to do so without the rednecks packing lead!
Harrision Ford was very quiet about this project and didn’t make or want any publicity about it – but I have had such respect or him ever since. I wonder if he would come out of his shell to be a spokesperson for the wolves – since he is already involved with Yellowstone project???
Pearce Brosnan promised an 18 yr old boy who was on the Make a Wish foundation list to make a movie with him, IF THE BOY WOULD WISH FOR SOMETHING ELSE OTHER THAN KILLING A BEAR! The boy was in remission, but his only wish was to hunt and kill a grizzly bear. Pearce Brosnan offered him the world NOT to do this, but he did it anyway! ugh…
Betty White is so popular and she loves animals.
Captain Paul Watson from Whales Wars – coined the phrase, “You Can’t Love Nature With a Gun”.
I know if Steve Irwin were alive, he would jump on board in a hearbeat!
Bob Barker is known for his love of animals and generous contributions.
How do we contact any one of these people??? Or more suggestions???
I tried for two years to get Oprah to air a show on Chinese fur farms and the brutal skinning alive of approx 50 million animals per year; but I couldn’t ever get past her producers with the idea.
Was briefly contacted about tee shirts for D.C. last night – so looks like that is happening – I will go to the site today to see what the numbers are – last I looked the total was 52 peopls – not enough to make an impact on whitehouse lawn!
Will put on a show with bullhorns, posters, banners, live wolves and video – big board listing what will be happening to the wolves if we do nothing. Tables there with educational literature would be great too. If there aren’t that many going, we at least have to be passionate and loud!
Congress always notices and gets nervous when there are voters on protesting!
Sadly and outrageously, Idaho is proposing to kill wolves with arrows from September 3rd to October 16th. Archery on wolves! They will suffer even more via this weapon of mass destruction. Most going off and dying from gangrene. Not clean kills. I say boycott Idaho’s potatoes, beef and tourism!! And sporting goods stores who supply the Neanderthals!
All for now….thank you Nabeki – yours is a voice of reason and hope. Many happy howls….:)
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Thank you Linda for all you are doing. That is truly an amazing project Harrison Ford took on and with very little publicity. The wolves need a spokesperson that has he power of celebrity. We have been trying for years to convince any number of celebs to take a stand for wolves but the problem is you have to know someone that knows them, otherwise it’s impossible to get past their handlers. There are so many people that are hired to keep celebs separated from the public, it’s like an invisible force field. I thought Leonardo DiCaprio, Jane Velez Mitchell, Robert Redford to name a few may be good candidates to take up the banner for wolves. But when wolves were literally on the chopping block in Congress and the Democrats had the power to pull the wolf delisting rider out of the budget bill, there was silence. And so as we all know wolves were abandoned for votes. The strange thing is no celebrities, that I know of. spoke out on this. Not only were wolves thrown under the bus but the ESA was trampled on, yet all we heard were “crickets”. A very sad commentary.
The grass roots wolf movement is left to carry woilves banner along with the outstanding conservation groups Alliance for the Wild Rockies, Friends of the Clearwater, WildEarth Guardians and now Friends of Animals. I’m starting to feel hopeful again, that people are rising up and saying this is wrong. No matter that there are so many powerful groups working against us, we still go forward because in the end I think we can win this.
We will have to talk more about getting people energized for the “Howl Across America” this summer. I think it’s a great idea, especially in this economy when many can’t afford to make a trip. It would send a strong message to Washington that Americans care about wolves and the ESA. That we are going to continue to speak out about this terrible wrong committed against wolves.
LInda I have to tell you that Montana was planning an archery season for wolves last year before the hunt was stopped when wolves were relisted so it’s not just Idaho who is planning to kill wolves with arrows, it’s also Montana. Idaho want’s trapping, baiting, calling, leg hold traps, snares. It sounds like something out of a medieval torture chamber. What kind of person takes pleasure in trapping and then shooting a helpless animal. Wolves suffer terribly because they will not want to leave their family member who is caught in a trap. A mother wolf was trapped outside Denali in Alaska several years ago and the trapper left her in the trap for almost two weeks. She was so hungry, she was trying to eat rocks and her teeth were broken in the effort, Her poor family stayed with her but were unable to help her. Such cruelty makes me sick. I wonder what Gordon Haber, the famed wolf biologist who died in a plane crash in 2009, would have to say about the situation in the Northern Rockies? I also think about his beloved Denali wolves, he was their champion and now he’s gone.
So we fight on. Earth Island Journal’s new summer edition is coming out in days. It will tell the story of the Northern Rockies Wolf Wars. Many people contributed to this story including HFJ, NIWA, Wolf Warriors.Wolf People and others. Maybe this article will open people’s eyes so they can see the injustice that engulfs wolves!!
For the wolves, For the wild ones,
Nabeki
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Nabeki, where can you get a copy of Earth Island Journal? Bookstores?
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Our article is coming out today. we’re pretty excited. It’s going to tell the real story of Wolf Wars in the Northern Rockies, hope it garners a wide audience. We need to tell the wolves’ story. You can buy a subscription online WL. Here’s the link:
http://www.earthisland.org/journal/
For the wolves, For the wild ones,
Nabeki
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Linda, I also contacted the sanctuary in Pa about
“Howl Across America”, you are in PA? Can we talk, have been hoping to find someone to work with here.
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Hi Nabeki! Yes, I do live in PA in Philadelphia….I, too, contacted PA WOLF SANCTUARY….have not heard back yet. My understanding is that many states have wolf sanctuaries. I know that New Jersey has one – a very good one that is called Lakota. Do you want to talk on here or phone or private email? All fine with me, I would be happy to!
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Linda, please contact me via my gravatar’s generic email. I will then give you my regular one for better access. It is dire that wolf advocates stay connected and coordinated at all times. Like a life line or link for the wolves. I will then send you my phone number and we can talk privately. I have many ideas and some seem to be working out, in the positive. Look forward to hearing from you.
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Yes, the unthinkable cruelty to wolves and all animals sickens me to the core of my soul. I have run across the devil himself – TOBY BRIDGES – a complete pyschopath with an obsession of hatred and destruction of wolves.
He said on his post and advised his ‘following’, that would be Clem and Earl, not to aim directly, but somewhat off so you can just wound the wolf and he will suffer longer!! paraphrasing, but that is what he said!!! Why or how can this idiot hate a majestic animal for doing what he was born to do? He complains that the wolf kills elk for food and fun….I think the idiot is talking about himself! I am so disgusted with the species human at this point…..really disappointing.
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Linda, Toby is making this a personal war against the wolf, and obviously has serious issues. Whatever they are, he identifies them with the wolf. You hit the nail on the head when you say, he is talking about himself.
Unfortunately, there will always be Clem and Earl’s running rampant, even with protections. People are sick at heart…dis-eased if you will. and they are looking for any and every opportunity to quell that pain…. fill that void.
It must be excruciatingly anguishing for you to speak with people like Toby, who are simply,and so very tragically, lost souls. I really don’t think anything will ever reach them short of a proverbial lightning bolt or spiritual enlightenment…like Saul to Paul….if you know what I mean.
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Toby bridges is a nutcase and psychopath. His hatred of wolves is abnormal. His website is lobowatch.com. On there, you will see that he tells others on how to kill wolves by sprinkling xylitol all over the place where wolves are known to roam. xylitol is toxic to canines. This is how nutty this man is. this man advocates the illegal poisoning of wildlife.
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Thanks Jon for elaborating, I didn’t know he had an actual website. And you were much too kind in your description of his persona. This site presides over the heart of a true beast, fallaciously contrary to recent NASS reports. As you said, nothing more than an indoctrination into the premeditated murder of our wildlife. His “rantra” is a grossly toxic mutation of rational thought and free speech, a parable of pervasive hissy fits and tantrums.
What I will never quite understand is how the opposition can accuse environmental groups of “milking” the system, claiming “ they don’t do it for their love of wildlife or the environment…they do it because it is profitable.” When in fact No Rationale Assigned and Slaughter Clan Inebriated are raking in obscene profits to the detriment of all wildlife. Isn’t that calling the kettle black…and then some…?
Everything can be distilled down into perspective, and very often the opposition’s viewpoint contains their opponent’s best counter strategy. I made a very brief cursory visit to this alien world, and found no signs of intelligent life. Sites like this myopic hunter’s view are delusional to think that they are actually enhancing the quality of wildlife, when in fact they are contributing to the decline of an entire eco system, all for the sake of instant gratification.
The only piece of information from his site worthy of mention, and something to which we, as wolf advocates, must also adhere was this:
“As we build this electronic network of interested people it will become easier to keep everyone informed of current issues and to coordinate action where and when it is needed.”
If Mr. Bridges and others of his ilk find brutality in the way wolves hunt and kill, it’s because they haven’t been privy to witness their own lack of humanity in action from satellite. It’s horrifying the things that people will do to purge the earth of things they hate.
Deep sigh…
Any confirmation yet as to rumors of no quota in Idaho?
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I apologize if everyone already knows about this. There is currently a drive going on to fund multiple actions for the protection of wolves in Greater Yellowstone and the Northern Rockies by the Defenders of Wildlife. I just donated and noticed they have almost reached their goal. The site to contribute is here:
https://secure.defenders.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=savewolves_homepage
I don’t work for them, but this cause is very dear to my heart. Things have become more urgent since the federal budget has removed protection for wolves. Here is a chance to protect them in the national parks that are their home. It feels good to know that even if we can only do a little, by banning together we can protect these beautiful and sacred creatures.
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Hi Sherri – Just read your message to me — thank you. I know you realize that the wolf killers and their advocates all have the same story line – basically “wolves are bad and hunters/trappers are good”. When you engage them or write to them, in an effort to understand or reason with them you will only receive a reply filled with insults and complete distortions of the facts. Apparently, and I have learned the hard way, engaging them is not the answer…..we can’t fix stupid and we can’t fix mean. 😦 Many howls ^^
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