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Wolves Return to Utah

DWR Plan For Managing Wolves
DWR News Release About Wolf Capture 

Deseret News articles:

  1. Wolf’s capture fuels debate

  2. Wolves are here to stay

  3. Wandering wolf sticking close to Yellowstone
  4. USU wolf report provokes growls

Readers Comments

Wolves are back, after having been chased out of the state some 70 years ago. A wild wolf was caught in a coyote trap near Morgan on Nov. 30, and a second wolf has been seen in the area. The captured animal was released unharmed in the Yellowstone area, but more are sure to migrate this direction.

Utah Outdoors welcomes their return. They pose no significant threat to humans so don’t cancel any backcountry recreation plans.

Stockmen have a legitimate concern about wolves; it is a fact that wolves sometimes kill sheep and other domestic animals. But there are ways to mitigate that loss. The loss of stock is a small price to pay for the return of the majestic predator, which will help bring a more natural balance to wildlife in our area.

What do you think about wolves in Utah? Send in your comments and we’ll post them.

Email them to: dave@utahoutdoors.com

Comments from Readers

From Joel Gray: I think it's great that wolves are coming back. That means their population must be up and the threat of extinction is decreasing. I also think that the wolf should remain a protected species for many years to come. I know ranchers, in general, don't like the return of the wolf for fear of the impact on livestock. I have several comments on this issue: Nobody should have the right to kill a wolf unless it is threatening attack on human life. Ranchers should be compensated for loss due to wolves. But, also the ranchers need to see that there are places that livestock just don't belong, such as deep in the forests and mountains, and keep the livestock out of these places and harms way. (12-26-02)

From Bill Housley: Wolves are dangerous to livestock but they are also dangerous to the coyotes. Coyotes are a far worse hazard to livestock than the wolves are because wolves try to avoid man and coyotes do not. Studies have shown that having wolves in an area reduces coyote populations and livestock losses. Of course wolves hunt wild game, but maybe having a few wolves around will help stir the deer off of private land. I think that Utah is ready for the return of the wolf. However, the livestock owners need to be given proper consideration too. They should be allowed a reasonable ability to protect their livestock. Wolves are smart, and giving the livestock owners adequate freedom will provide the wolves with a deterrent and they will respond by killing less livestock. (12-25-02)

From Kevin Noorda: We plan just don’t need them. They eat everything and how can people say that they are a balance to the environment. We have struggling deer herds as it is. And I really think they are a threat to humans–what predator isn’t. I love the outdoors and am an avid bow hunter. I DON'T want to run in to a wolf, and yes I have seen many bobcats, cougars and bears in the woods. I don’t want to see wolves to. (12-12-02)

From Jared M: I personally am glad the wolves are back. It’ll be nice to have more of a wild history back and if they get a few of the millions of livestock o well, more food for the native deer and elk. (12-12-02)

From Jeff George: I don't think they'll hurt anything. They might get a few cows and sheep but they love to eat elk and deer. But this means that we shouldn't issue quite as many tags. Coyotes eat more livestock than anything. I don't really care wolves are in Utah as long as they don't bother me. (12-11-02)