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For Immediate Release
The Famous Alaska Toklat Wolf Pack Struggles for Survival
Anchorage, AK - The remaining members of the
invaluable Toklat pack will continue to struggle for survival unless Alaska
wildlife officials provide emergency protections by expanding a small no hunting
and trapping buffer zone around Denali National Park, according to Defenders of
Wildlife.
"The potential loss of this scientifically valuable wolf
pack would be devastating," said Karen Deatherage, Defenders of Wildlife Alaska
Representative. "State officials have failed to protect them and have in essence
knowingly contributed to their precarious state by not designating a sufficient
no-trapping safety zone in the area the pack occupies outside the park. By
expanding the buffer zone, the loss of this much studied group of animals could
easily be prevented without infringing on trappers or hunters
rights."
The pack began to disintegrate after the alpha female was
trapped and killed immediately outside the buffer zone. Shortly thereafter,
Defenders called for an emergency closure of the area bordering Denali National
Park to protect the surviving members of the pack. The request
was denied and
as a result, another member of the Toklat wolf pack has been trapped and killed
in that same area.
The Toklat wolf pack is one of the most studied,
viewed and photographed wolves in the world. The family had been together for
over six decades. Hundreds of scientists, and researchers gained invaluable
insight into these wolves' relationships and their biology. Tens of thousands of
tourists enjoyed seeing these wolves in the wild and following their
lives.
"Visitors to Denali National Park expect to see the Toklat
wolves. The prospect of losing this particular pack is detrimental not only to
tourists, but to the hundreds of scientists and biologists who have gained
immeasurable knowledge and insight into the pack's ecological contribution.
Their importance to the park as a wildlife watching resource is incalculable,"
Deatherage stated.
Defenders of Wildlife is a leading nonprofit
conservation organization recognized as one of the nation's most progressive
advocates for wildlife and its habitat. With more than 480,000 members and
supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is an effective leader on endangered species
issues. To stay current on hot topics in wildlife conservation, subscribe to
DENlines, Defenders of Wildlife's electronic update and action alert
network.
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Defenders of Wildlife is a leading nonprofit conservation organization recognized as one of the nation's most progressive advocates for wildlife and its habitat. With more than 480,000 members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is an effective leader on endangered species issues. To stay current on hot topics in wildlife conservation, subscribe to DENlines, Defenders of Wildlife's electronic update and action alert network.
