The Idaho Fish and Game killing proposal is a money-making tool. The budget comes mainly from hunting permits. The agency leans heavily one-sided in favor of ranchers, outfitters and hunters, therefore Idaho must remain an elk farm.

Commissioner Brad Corkill (Panhandle), responding to questions, said he’d be glad to see all wolves disappear from the state. Such biased opinion should’ve disqualified him immediately.

Researchers (Earthweek, Jan. 19) caution that loss of habitat and killing by humans are ravaging the population of about three-quarters of the world’s largest carnivores, wolves included. “Their ranges are collapsing, many of this animals are at risk of extinction, either locally or globally,” said lead author William Ripple of Oregon State University.

The loss of the predators at the top of the natural food chain is allowing the numbers of other species to surge, including elk and deer. Some biologists worry that a moose population unchecked by wolves on Michigan’s Isle Royale could upset the balance of food webs (National Parks Magazine, Winter 2014).

Fish and Game even hired a professional killer to shoot wolves in the Frank Church Wilderness, where wolves belong.

It is unethical and complacent to look the other way or remain silent.

Cecilia Nolthenius

Coeur d’Alene