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This is an extremely busy time of the year at Wolf. Preparation for the 4th Annual Howl-O-Ween Run With The Wolves, has already begun with the designing of the brochure and the preparation of letters which will be sent out to prospective sponsors. Volunteers are attending other races to hand out run flyers, which will continue into October and prizes are being gathered to insure the race will be a success.
In addition, this is tax season for nonprofits. The combined illnesses and deaths of both Frank and Pats Mothers has put the bookkeeping far behind, and data entry is consuming a considerable amount of time.
Fire mitigation continues to be one of our main priorities. Volunteers work continuously to remove underbrush and downed trees away from the enclosures to create a defensible space around the compound. Once removed the slash must be chopped into mulch or cut into firewood, for use at the Sanctuary. This is strenuous work and I would like to take the opportunity here to thank all of the volunteers that have been helping with this project. In particular, a special thank you to all of the volunteers from Turning Point, who have worked tirelessly to keep the wolves safe from the very serious fire danger that is ever present.
This is the best time of the year to enlarge all of the enclosures, providing each pack with not only additional space, but new surroundings. This enriches the lives of the animals giving them “new” places and things to explore. Unfortunately, we are not going to be able to complete all of the enclosures this year. Funds are low, as material costs go up and expenses of running the sanctuary (vet bills, special foods and medicines, etc.), continue to rise.
Nestle Purina Pet Care, our main source for high-quality dry dog food, has made a corporate decision to no longer donate food to wolf-related sanctuaries. When contacted, the corporate office told Pat that the company had decided to only donate to dog and cat facilities in the Denver Metro area. Pat continues to try and re-establish contact with the Corporate Office and although the people she has made contact with promise to find out what exactly is going on, and return her calls, no one has done so. Meanwhile, other companies such as WAL MART, JAX FARM & RANCH and other local feed suppliers help as much as they can.
This is a serious new burden on the sanctuary budget. In-kind food donations from Nestle Purina amounted to approximately $12,000, last year. The decision has placed the sanctuary in a difficult financial situation. Due to the economy, donations are down and costs, as explained, continue to go up. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.
Wild Wolves Return To Colorado
(For The First Time In 69 Years)
The controversy over wild wolves in Colorado has begun. In an effort to prevent confusion over wolves in Colorado, the Division of Wildlife has created a committee to form a wolf management plan for the state. On June 10, 2004 the committee held its first meeting. The same day a young, radio collared wolf was found dead on I-70. Probably hit by a car, two of her legs were broken. Number 293, was originally a member of the Swan Lake Pack in Yellowstone National Park. More than likely she had dispersed from that pack and was looking for a mate. Gray Wolves were re-introduced to Yellowstone National Park in 1995. According to wolf biologist, Douglas Smith, “It’s not uncommon for young wolves traveling long distances to end up getting killed by people.”
In Colorado the management plan will be difficult to formulate and enforce. Wolves found north of I-70 are classified as threatened which will give the state management authority. South of I-70 wolves are still considered an endangered species and will fall under the management of the federal government. Illegally killing a wolf may result in a $100,000 fine and a year in jail.
No. 293’s arrival does not mean Colorado is going to have a viable population of wild wolves soon. “What it means is if people will let them come, they’ll come,” Smith said.
It is a sad commentary that the first wolf in Colorado in 69 years, was found dead. I want to be here to see live wolves in Colorado. There must be a solution.
The aerial hunting of wolves has resulted in the deaths of over 140 of these magnificent creatures. Howl-In’s will continue to be held in order to convince Governor Frank Murkowski to pay attention to the wishes of the citizens of Alaska and stop the insane killing of Wolves. You can help by:
1. Sharing your thoughts with the Governor of Alaska,
Frank Murkowski
P.O. Box 110001
Juneau, AK 99811
E-mail: governor@gov.state.ak.us
by phone: (907)-465-3500
fax (907)-465-3532.
2. Sponsor a Howl-In. through The Friends of Animals. Wolf will be happy to help you with this.
3. Boycott tourism in Alaska, vacation elsewhere. Tell your Family and Friends to support the boycott.
For further information, contact;
1. Alaska Wildlife Alliance at http://www.akwildlife.org
P.O. Box 202022
Anchorage, AK 99520
phone: (907)-277-0897
fax (907)-277-7423
E-mail: Jenna@akwildlife.org.
2. Sign an on-line petition stating your opposition to the aerial killing of wolves in Alaska: http://www.defenders.org
You do not have to be a resident of Alaska to help the wolves or sign the petition.
WOLF, Post Office Box 1544, La Porte, CO 80535 - USA