Washington vs. Idaho wildlife

The management principles of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game are opposite.

WDFW employs a variety of methods to scare or remove and relocate wildlife, to avoid conflict with people. (“Idaho agency kills cougar that delayed a flight” Spokesman-Review, Jan. 25)

IDFG does not typically relocate large predators that become accustomed to being near people (as stated by Mike McDonald, the department’s regional wildlife manager). An Idaho conservation officer shot and killed the cougar while it was being chased toward a fenced-off area around the control tower. The so called “conservation officer” did not have access to a tranquilizer gun. The cougar was less than a year old.

By the same token, Idaho doesn’t need to change trapping regulations to protect incidental capture of Canada Lynx. (Spokesman-Review, Jan. 26)

This agency, entrusted with stewardship of our wildlife, is forfeiting the essence of its mandate to conserve, protect and enhance the future of our wildlife.

Cecilia Nolthenius

Coeur d’Alene