Photo credit: Deby Dixon
Earlier this fall, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) authorized the killing of 9 Price County wolves, eliminating almost an entire pack or family unit. According to a WPR article, here is what led to the decision:
In one report, a man provided security camera footage showing an adult collared wolf came within 6 to 8 feet of his house on two nights. Another referenced a wolf entering a clearing within 20 yards of where a man was mowing — the man said he feared his family and dog may encounter wolves while walking on trails. Another man reported spotting an uncollared juvenile wolf watching him from 45 feet away when he drove his UTV to place bear bait at the edge of the woods on his property.
Shockingly, the DNR did not inform the Tribes of the concern or the plan to kill the wolves, despite wolves holding a sacred place for Ojibwe Tribes. In response to the situation and lack of notice, the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC) released the a statement including:
“This action damages existing relationships and fractures trust. We remind the WDNR and USDA Wildlife Services to involve GLIFWC and its member tribes in the decision-making processes. Simply handing us the remains of our relatives after killing them does not constitute meaningful consultation.”
Fortunately, DNR Secretary Hyun issued an apology:
“I am deeply sorry for the DNR’s lack of communication with Tribal Nations and GLIFWC in this process and, as I discussed with the tribes and GLIFWC at annual consultation, I am committed to improving our collaboration and communication with the tribes around wolf conflicts going forward.”
An apology is a welcome first step, but DNR also needs to take steps to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
Call on the DNR to establish new criteria so something like this doesn't happen again.
