Save Idaho's Wolves From Aerial Gunning

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game wants to reduce wolf numbers in its Lolo Zone from an estimated 70-120 wolves to just 20-30 wolves in a misguided attempt to increase the elk population. Because this region is largely wild and inaccessible, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services intends to gun the wolves down from the air. 

Killing wolves is unlikely to increase elk numbers, because long-term changes in habitat have caused elk decline in the Lolo Zone -- but even if elk numbers do increase, this will only harm the ecosystem as a whole. Elk will browse too heavily on cottonwood, aspen and other trees that support a great variety of wildlife. 

In Yellowstone National Park, scientists have found that the return of wolves caused elk to browse fewer cottonwood sprigs, enabling growth of new trees, which led to more nesting songbirds, more beaver dams and more fish.

There is no good reason for the federal government to spend money to kill imperiled wolves in national forests, where they help to keep the natural balance. Please take action now and fill out the form below to protect these wolves from pointless slaughter.