Re: “Wolf cull commences in West Kootenay"
This government that spends $150,000 of taxpayers’ money to shoot wolves from helicopters is the same government that approved expansion of the Whitewater ski resort in caribou habitat. The same government that keeps selling logging rights in old growth forest. This government does not enforce closures to snowmobiles in sensitive areas. Why not use the helicopters to fly around enforcement officers to keep snowmobiles from stressing caribou?
I actually witnessed a scene while backcountry skiing: I was observing from afar a herd of six caribou who then rapidly moved off as a swarm of snowmobiles approached. Evasive action wastes precious energy and reduces survival. Why does my government not use my tax money to work on that?
If we are killing the wolves to defend 18 caribou, what’s going to keep in check the hundreds-strong populations of deer and elk? I notice signs of overgrazing where I live.
In the winter, deer strip the bark off the branches of young trees and bushes. Plants tolerate some roughing and recover but a lot will kill them. I see whole groves of Saskatoon berries and hazelnut bushes killed by deer. Could it be there are not enough predators?
Let’s face it, if we are down to 18 caribou, we have lost them, and it’s not the wolves’ fault. Killing them will be a cure worse than the ailment. This government should stop playing God. It is not very good at it.
Daniela Gadotti
Beasley