Wolves are acting naturally

Lloyd Zimmerman’s Nov. 13 discourse on the predatory wolf warrants comment.

Defining wildlife through humanity’s narrow scope is impossible. Despite constant human interference reinforced through biblical mandates of domination, the animal exists in a black-and-white world, free from the graying techniques humans force into every environmental nook and cranny that alters their environment.

The wolf is a predator, but it’s not after us. The only predator humans must fear is human. Wildlife kills for survival and protection. There’s no ulterior motive, country to conquer, religious belief to defend. It has a viable and distinct purpose in the evolutionary journey, and to suggest otherwise borders on the ludicrous, bolstered by the effective use of fear.

However predatory the wolf may be, there are some truths behind the reintroduction: Canis lupus was here long before humans but due to our insatiable desire to muck things up was eradicated from its habitat; this eradication snapped a vital ecological link and became the catalyst for reintroduction; fear tactics are, once again, effectively pushing the panic button.

Lastly, one need only read the final sentence of Zimmerman’s letter to identify the culprit behind the call for extinction: the almighty dollar.

Sandra Babcock

Spokane Valley