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For Immediate Release
Ten Years of Wolves in Yellowstone & Idaho
Defenders of Wildlife Releases State of the Wolf Report; Details Status of Wolves in Yellowstone and Beyond
Washington, D.C. - Defenders of Wildlife is kicking-off the ten year anniversary of wolves in Yellowstone and Idaho by issuing its first State of the Wolf report. The study provides a snapshot in time of the ongoing recovery of the wolf nationwide and the threats that still jeopardize the future of these majestic creatures.
"Over the past ten years we've seen the wolf make great strides throughout the Yellowstone region. Its ongoing journey toward recovery is underway," said Rodger Schlickeisen, Defenders of Wildlife President. "But while the Northern Rocky Mountain region is home to more than 800 wolves, we remain cautiously optimistic that healthy wolf populations will continue to grow and stabilize. The threats they face are serious, but fortunately, not insurmountable if conservationists work together."
While growing public support and federal protections have aided wolf recovery, other obstacles remain. The Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking to remove federal protections and hand over management of the species to the states -- a move that would prematurely declare wolves "recovered" when they are still on the road to recovery.
"We can maintain healthy, viable and sustainable wolf populations in the lower 48 states, but it takes serious commitment and a cooperative focus," said the report's author, Nina Fascione, Vice President of Field Conservation at Defenders of Wildlife. "We know that wolves bring both ecological and economic benefits to the areas in which they live, Yellowstone is a perfect example."
The report examines gray wolves in 7 regions: Northern Rockies, Pacific Northwest, Southwest United States and Mexico, Southern Rockies, Great Lakes, Northeast and Alaska. The status of red wolves in North Carolina is also assessed. Each region has a breakdown of information on the background, current status, threats and the future of wolves in that area.
Additional Materials- State of the Wolf 2004 Report
- Payments to Ranchers from The Bailey Wildlife Foundation Wolf Compensation Trust
- Frequently Asked Questions: The Bailey Wildlife Foundation Wolf Compensation Trust
- The Bailey Wildlife Foundation Proactive Carnivore Conservation Fund
- Northern Rockies Wolf Compensation Guidelines
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Defenders of Wildlife is one of the nation's most progressive advocates for wildlife and habitat, and was named as one of America's Top 100 Charities by Worth magazine. With more than 480,000 members and supporters, Defenders is an effective voice for wildlife and habitat. To learn more about Defenders of Wildlife, please visit www.defenders.org.
