The state of Utah has it out for wolves. Back in session for less than a week, Republican state Sen. Allen Christensen already introduced and ushered through committee a bill that would require state officials remove or destroy all wolves who cross into areas of Utah unprotected by the Endangered Species Act.
Christensen's argument: "This bill simply says any wolf within Utah will be captured and killed. We don't want any of them here."
Utah's draconian proposal has already been pared back, not for the wolves, but to avoid conflict with the federal Endangered Species Act. But we need to make sure the proposal dies -- so wolves don't.
Tell Governor Gary Herbert to protect Utah's fledgling wolf population and stop this dangerous bill.
Note to Utah residents: Your letter will be delivered to the Governor and your state legislator.
Dear
[Decision Maker]:
As a Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund supporter and someone who cares deeply about wildlife conservation, I am writing to urge you to oppose state senator Allen Christensen's efforts to enact a proposal that would require state wildlife officials to capture or kill all wild wolves that wander into Utah -- even in areas where they are protected as an endangered species.
Senator Christensen summed up the legislation he's proposing (SB 36) by saying, "This bill simply says any wolf within Utah will be captured and killed. We don't want any of them here."
I am outraged at Senator Christensen's statement, and want you to know that he does not speak for me.
[Your personalized comments will be added here.]
Wolves belong in Utah, and I look forward to their return. While wolves are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act in most of Utah, these protections have been eliminated in the northeast part of the state, the area where most of the wolf sightings have been reported in our state in the past decade. It is also a vital travel corridor for wolves that are migrating naturally from Idaho and Wyoming -- and an essential link as we work toward a future of wolf recovery in Utah.
If the legislature passes this legislation and allows wolves to be killed in this important wildlife corridor, it will be a huge step backwards for wolf recovery in the American West -- and a disaster for anyone who, like me, wants to see these magnificent animals return to their rightful home in Utah.
Wolves are a rare sight in Utah, but with proper protections, time, and a little luck, these important carnivores can make a comeback. I hope you will help them return to their rightful home by voting against Senator Christensen's extreme proposal and supporting future efforts to recover wolves in the state.
Thank you for considering my views on this important issue. I look forward to your reply.
