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Defenders News Briefs Fall 2004
Attempt to End Wolf Slaughter in Alaska
Defenders has petitioned Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton to stop Alaska’s practice of chasing and killing wolves using airplanes. Currently, Alaska’s airborne wolf killing program allows hunters to slaughter wolves and wolf pups from the air by either shooting from above or chasing them into deep snow until they are too exhausted to move. Since Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski (R) and the state legislature overturned two citizen- supported initiatives that had banned same-day aerial hunting, nearly 150 wolves have been killed. As many as 500 wolves are slated to be killed this coming winter. Visit www.savealaskawolves.org to learn more.
Defenders Board Member Honored
Defenders Board Member Ira New Breast has been named a “conservation hero” by the Walt Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund for his work to reintroduce swift foxes into the wild. While working as the director of the Blackfeet Reservation Fish & Wildlife Department, New Breast was instrumental to Defenders’ efforts to establish a self-sustaining swift fox population on the reservation. The award was presented to New Breast, now the executive director of the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society, by Defenders on behalf of the Disney fund, which has supported more than 350 conservation projects worldwide.
Book Highlights Predator/Human Interactions
A new book of essays, edited by three Defenders staff members, focuses on the relationships between humans and wild predators. In the book, “People and Predators: From Conflict to Coexistence,” leading scientists offer case studies of human-carnivore conflicts throughout the world. Chapters describe how challenges have been met or what research and tools are still needed to resolve conflicts. “People and Predators” offers a look into the lives of the wild hunters of the animal world, and provides insight into proactive measures to protect the creatures from humans. Visit www.islandpress.org to learn more about the book.
Defenders Sponsors Carnivore Conference
Interested in learning about wild cats, bears, wolves and other predators? Then consider attending Defenders’ upcoming conference on carnivores. Titled “Carnivores 2004: Expanding Partnerships in Carnivore Conservation,” the meeting promises to build on our track record of bringing together academics, activists and wildlife professionals to discuss carnivore conservation. The conference will be held November 14-17, 2004, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Visit www.carnivoreconference.org to learn more.
