Here is an example of an Uneducated opinion coming out of Wyoming that claims humans have nothing to do with Moose decline only Wolves. What this Individual doesn’t acknowledge is the mere fact that Wolves are all from the same DNA, not to mention there were once 2 million wolves in North America and all Ungulate Populations were healthier according to an old article from RMEF. As well as another example of why your Children’s National Park Resources are in dire need of our proposed “Sacred Resource Protection Zone”!
Jackson moose population decline due to wolves? Only an Uneducated Opinion
It has only been since the introduction of the Canadian Grey Wolves to northwestern Wyoming in 1995 that the Wyoming Moose (or Shiras Moose) population has been in decline in the Jackson area. It appears as though the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has yet to figure this out, as their wildlife biologist in Jackson has taken the easy way out by blaming the demise of the Shiras Moose on climate change, warming temperatures, heat stress and habitat taken away by human development, along with “increased number of predators.”
Immediately prior to the introduction of the Canadian Grey Wolves, there were a few thousand Shiras Moose in the Jackson area. In 1994 (a few months prior to the wolf introduction), 315 licenses were issued for the Jackson Moose Herd Hunt areas. In 2018, 10 licenses were issued for the same hunt areas.
Because so little of Teton County is privately owned, blaming human development for the decline in moose numbers also does not hold water. Just 3 percent (126 square miles) of Teton County is privately owned, while the balance (4,096 square miles) is owned by the government.
The wildlife biologist stated moose are struggling from “increased number of predators.” Because the Game and Fish classifies wolves in Teton County as trophy game animals, I would like to know what predators the biologist is referring to?
The Game and Fish Department’s concern by the moose fatalities as a result of automobile collisions is commendable (four killed in the past six months on State Hwy 22); however, it is a shame there seems to be no concern for all the moose the wolves have killed in the past 24 years and will continue to kill in the future. The only thing that will make the Shiras Moose population unsustainable in the Jackson area is wolves (not global warming, not human development).
DUANE TORO, Laramie
Source: Toro: Jackson moose population decline due to wolves | Letters | trib.com