February 2024

Looking Back; Looking Ahead

As 2023 came to a close, we witnessed wolves being released into Colorado. Wolf paws hit the ground because Coloradans voted for them. This is a success story because it is a testament to how attitudes have improved across the country, in part due to education. People are learning that we can live with wolves and "Little Red" is just a scary fairy tale.

Our work is far from over. Last week USWS announced wolves in most of the US will remain protected under the ESA while a National Recovery Plan is developed, however wolves in the Northern Rockies can continue to be slaughtered. In Montana alone, 230 wolves have already been killed during this hunting/trapping season, including some lured out of Yellowstone National Park with bait.

The Interior appropriations bill is loaded with poison pill amendments, including nationwide delisting. Three different stand-alone bills, HR 764 and S1895 and S1788 have been introduced, each targeting wolves.

The latest Wisconsin Wolf Management Plan has a population goal of about 1000 animals (close to the 2023 count), without a specific population goal. However, a bill passed in the Wisconsin legislature mandates an artificial and unscientific cap of 350 wolves. The Governor has not said if he will sign or veto the bill.

We can’t give up the fight; We won’t give up the fight for wolves.

PHOTO CREDIT: COLORADO PARKS WOLF 2603-OR RELEASED 12/19/23

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR WOLVES

We are proud that we are able to educate about wolves and advocate on their behalf without any membership dues. We do not send letters asking for donations.

Instead, we rely on our volunteers and board members across the country who put in hundreds of hours each week without any compensation.

We raise funds through your generous donations and through the sale of merchandise.

For our first fundraiser of 2024, Float is donating $8 for every shirt sold. We thank artist, Emily Tan, for granting permission to use her concept.

The shirts are available in a variety of styles and colors. This campaign will end Monday, February 12, 2024 at 9 am EST

ORDER YOURS TODAY

YOUTH LEADER

The future of wolves is in the hands of our youth.

Vir has shown that we can advocate for wolves at any age. He is a 4th grader at John F Kennedy Primary school and worked with NJ Raritan Borough Mayor Zachary Bray to raise awareness and help save wolves.

Because of Vir's efforts, there is now a call to action on the borough's website where Vir says, “I invite all residents of our town to join me in this noble cause let’s learn, collaborate and act to preserve the legacy of our wolves before it’s too late.”

For these reasons, Vir has been selected as a Wolfwatcher Youth Leader.

WITH HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS

No organization can educate or advocate for wolves, alone. It takes a coalition of partners who never give up. This year, Wolfwatcher selected six non-profits to receive mini-grants to help educate others. Throughout the year, we will highlight these worthy organizations.

THANK YOU!

Without YOU, our loyal supporters, the National Wolfwatcher Coalition would not exist. We are appreciative of your support throughout the past years and look forward to your continued support in the future!

For the latest scientific information, please visit OUR WEBSITE and while there, you can shop at OUR STORE

www.wolfwatcher.org

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