LETTER TO THE EDITOR FROM RL POSEY TO THE ADN

Dear Editor:



The article, “Wolf Forum Dec.3” in the November 23rd issue of the AND is one of the most biased articles I have ever read.

Essentially the article provides all of the glowing information about the benefits of wolves from the wolf supporters prejudice point of view but there is no mention about the many problems that the residents are having where wolves already exist or where the wolves have been forced upon the residents by the federal government with the continual support of the animal rights activists and liberal judges.

But the wolves are “Endangered”. Another fabrication. There are literally thousands of wolves in Alaska and Canada, they just aren’t in this area.

But these are the Mexican Grey Wolves. At the El Lobo Forum that was held at NMSU Las Cruces several years ago, some “wolf experts” stated that genetically all wolves are the same. They are called differently according to where they are located.

I receive information on a continual basis from a number of different states about the problems that residents are having where wolves already exist or where they have been released under the guise of the Endangered Species Act.

Just today I received a lengthy document from the Gila Livestock Grower’s Association (GLGA) stating that 10 cows and calves and a horse that have been confirmed killed by wolves since June and 5 other calves that have been confirmed killed by wolves since October.

That doesn’t include the domestic animals where there is evidence of kills, but no trace can be found. It is readily apparent that the wolves eat everything including the hide and bones.

According to the GLGA report, Gila ranchers and homeowners have reported 27 uncollared wolves within this past year with no investigation by the Wildlife Managers.

How many wolves are in the Gila?

If anyone knows the truth it is not being disclosed.

The AND article states in part, “livestock losses by wolves are reimbursed by Defenders of Wildlife”.

Another myth.

Actually very few reimbursements have been made. It has been extremely difficult to prove beyond a reasonable doubt of a wolf kill. The ranchers in the Gila have stated that essentially it takes video camera evidence of the kill taking place with date/time information recorded on the film to confirm a kill.

Wolves are valuable for the health of the ecosystem.

The last known wolf in Otero County was killed by government trapper, Ellis Wright, at least 60 years ago. The exact date is unknown, but Mr. Wright died in 1977 and was 83 years old when he died.

New Mexico and Otero County, and especially the livestock industry, have prospered very well for many years without any wolves.

The commercial livestock industry has been a major economic factor in New Mexico for many decades and in Otero County for over 125 years.

Where wolves have been re-introduced, the livestock and wildlife industries have taken major economic hits.

The same will be true if wolves are forced on Otero County.

It is time to draw a line in the sand and do whatever is necessary to keep that from happening.



Sincerely,



R L Posey