Monday, January 24, 2011

Original Letter to the Editor

There are many misconceptions and false rumors being circulated about the gray wolves that were re-introduced to Idaho.  One misconception is that the wolves are a different sub-species than those that originally inhabited Idaho.  The truth is that the recently re-introduced gray wolf is one of at least three of the original sub-species that inhabited Idaho before being exterminated by humans.  Yes, they are slightly bigger than the smaller sub-species that was completely hunted to extinction, but roam here they did.  On average they are only 5 to 15 pounds larger than the extinct sub-species.  Another misconception is that they are crazed predators running rampant and killing livestock at every chance they get.  Dogs actually kill more livestock than wolves!  The truth is that less than 1% of livestock deaths are caused by wolves, and at least 90% of livestock killed by wolves are financially compensated for.

Did you know there are a variety of non-lethal ways to protect livestock from wolves?  In Montana, wolf advocates and ranchers have been working together to address the issues surrounding wolves and livestock with positive results. Evidence also shows that wolves have not had a negative impact on the Elk population, instead they kill the weaker and diseased elk causing the rest of the herd to remain healthy.  This does cause the elk to be more cautious and tend not to stay in one valley for too long.  This can explain why hunters are seeing fewer elk.  It is not that the elk have disappeared, it just means a person needs to improve their hunting skills.

Evidence shows that wolves actually play an important role in keeping a balanced and healthy ecosystem.  For more information, please visit the following website:  www.westernwolves.org - thank you.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Sacred Wolf Advocacy Group (Flier)



What kills more sheep than wolves? Pretty much EVERYTHING.

An invitation to help me launch a wolf advocacy group:

THE PERCEPTION that wolves are rampant livestock killers simply isn’t true. Weather, disease and other predators kill thousands more cattle and sheep. Wolves are responsible for less than one percent of livestock kills. That’s it. What’s more, livestock owners are compensated for wolf kills, unlike most other losses. Let’s resolve conflicts over wolves not aggravate them. Learn & share the facts.

SUPPORT SCIENCE-BASED WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 

To help, please contact Michael - sacredwolflodge@gmail.com 
Also, you may want to visit  westernwolves.org

Welcome!



Hello!  This blog will represent two paths, which are really the same path.  First, it is a path of advocacy and truth based on science and fact to help us better understand this keystone predator we call wolf.  Second, it is an invitation for the creation of a community healing circle to better understand the spiritual lessons and wisdom of these beautiful four-legged brothers and sisters.  This community is currently located in the McCall, Idaho area, yet we will also address wolf and predator issues of the Northern Rockies and beyond.  These creatures are currently caught in the middle of a political battle with their extermination being called for once again by people who understand the value of money over the value of our living planet and its vital ecosystems.  The wolves need our voices to ensure their survival. There are many misconceptions about the grey wolves re-introduced to the Northern Rockies, and intentional or not, many false claims have been made in order to put the lives of these creatures at risk for extermination.  I encourage you to investigate the truth of these rumors and misconceptions for yourself.  The website, www.westernwolves.org is a great place to start.

The spiritual journey is not required to be a wolf advocate, but as I was inspired to create this community through a dream I had, I have committed myself to offer a sacred space to learn more about the spiritual teachings that The Wolf Spirit has to offer.  As of right now there is no set agenda on how this will come about.  Just like growing from a pup to an adult, we must learn to navigate through the teachings and wisdom to create a strong community.  The wolf pack, as well as the "lone wolf", teaches us vital information about community and interdependance.  The Wolf is a wonderful teacher of Mother Earth wisdom, and is offering to teach us in it's own way how to connect with earth wisdom and indigenous teachings.  In this age of rampant pollution and corruption, remembering the connections we have with Mother Earth is important for our own physical and spiritual survival.

I hope that you will join me in rallying around these beautiful creatures, so that together we may learn the importance of living in balance with our surrounding ecosystems.

If you want to find out more about how to help with the advocacy group and/or the spiritual circle; or if you have questions about me, please feel free to ask!  sacredwolflodge@gmail.com