conservation · education · preservation
MARCH 2014
MARCH MEXICAN GRAY MONTH On March 2nd Mike and I journeyed deep into the high country of Arizona to “babysit” a pair of Mexican Gray wolves in the Apache National forest that are set to be released on April 1st. We, along with other wolf educational sanctuaries and volunteers were given separate days as not to overlap each other and observe any possible mating behavior and being a presence to detour any persons who would want to harm this pair. While we were there we were amazed of the vastness of the land area where these wolves reside and the extremely rugged terrain that is not meant for cattle although they were allowed to free range on public grounds. This terrain provides a home for predators such as bear and mountain lion where domestic cattle are sitting ducks. Much of the income in the area is derived through hunting, fishing, and supporting businesses. continued on next page
Darlene observing through binoculars the pen 1/2 mile from campsite
Darlene on watch
Camp observation area from 7am to 6pm
I observed several herds of whitetail and mule deer, wild turkey and saw countless road signs for elk that made the area their home, however only 37 Mexican Gray wolves roam in the National forest that consists of 2 million acres. As we stood on a ledge overlooking the millions of acres of forest land, it made me wonder why the hatred was so strong for a species that promotes a healthy ecosystem for hunters and for the health of the forest.
Mike with antenna monitoring
We were told by a resident who was neutral, yet felt inclined to explain to us what the reason was for ranchers wanting to kill off the keystone apex predator. He said that without the wolf, the elk and deer will just hang around and they don’t move to new territory. He also said most are so use to people that salt blocks and hay given out to the range cattle keeps them within shooting range. However, I was told that the bigger cities such as Phoenix and Tucson were mostly pro wolf and the small percentage of cattle ranches had influence with the politicians. I still find it hard to believe that special interest groups have such power to exterminate a species if they could, but read this article below and see what the wolves are up against.
Arizona Fish and GameFeeding time
Furthermore, I cannot believe that our government who is our wildlife service, and who is suppose to protect our wildlife, is chomping at the bit to delist the gray wolf in the entire lower 48 states where there are no wolves at all in most states. How can you delist a species from the ESA such as Colorado where they were native at one time, with no populations at all since 1945? Don’t you delist when the populations are stable? Unfortunately, it is all about agribusiness. Money will always win unless Mother Nature has a say in cattle country for long enough or the Caldara erupts. I predict that in 10 years most of our predators will be gone or be on the threatened list because of mismanagement and the powers of greed. I also think that if the thousands of tourists would stop supporting National Parks such as Yellowstone where it is allowed to bait the wolves out of the park and kill them, then those states such as Wyoming, Idaho and Montana would possibly rethink about things when their money flow would dry up. The wolf they hate so much is their livelihood along with the bison and grizzly bear that is now on the chopping block. What have we become? It is all about today and not the future. I am embarrassed of how the politics of government is destroying our precious wildlife without a conscience. continued on next page
Even with all of this sadness, I cannot lose hope and I will continue to educate those who have an interest in saving our wildlife. I pray for the two Mexican Gray wolves that will be released soon, that they will procreate and never be seen by humans. That they can avoid any illegal traps, snares, poison and guns and to enjoy life as it was meant to be. Just to know that they are free and we can envision pups in spring playing in the sun and knowing that they were put on this planet for more than just a thrill kill and to profit would be so wonderful. Vast area for Mexican Grays. Enough room for both animal and humans
Darlene Kobobel Arizona has beautiful sunsets
This tree in Arizona is appropriately called the ARROW TREE. Now this tree has two more arrows added to it from Colorado. Not that we take our bow and arrows everywhere we go, but we just so happened to this trip
Welcome Luna, Star & Sandy
Erin and Nancy from the Wichita Zoo
On March 13th we caught our beloved Cero to be transported to his new home at the Wichita, Kansas zoo and in return we received 3 Mexican Gray females. The girls will be 12 next month (same age as Cero), spayed and all sisters. Cero will be united with a female from Mexico who will be 3 years next month and due to his great genetic genes, the hopes are for for him to mate next year. We will miss Cero, however we have great communication with the zoo for updates. Come visit our new girls!
Wolves are in the crosshairs, thanks to Sen. Gail Griffin The Republic | azcentral.com
719.687.9742 PO Box 713 · Divide, CO 80814 www. wolfeducation.org
Pause for a moment and savor this: The population of endangered Mexican gray wolves in Arizona and New Mexico grew from 75 to 83 last year. That’s nearly double the 2009 count. It’s a victory for our shared national values, which are expressed in the Endangered Species Act. OK. Enough savoring. Now, back to a reality. Lobos remain perilously close to extinction’s cliff, and Arizona’s Legislature is poised to give them a shove over the edge. The Senate Government and Environment Committee approved three measures this week aimed at wolf reintroduction like a bullet to the brain. SB 1211 would allow the Arizona Department of Agriculture or ranchers to kill wolves suspected of eating beef without fear of federal prosecution — an amnesty from federal law that Arizona lacks the authority to grant. SB 1212 appropriates $250,000 from the general fund “for litigation expenses.” That’ll come in handy. A resolution, SCR 1006, calls
for shifting management of this endangered species from federal to state control and focusing reintroduction efforts on the mountains of Mexico. Because, of course, Arizona can dictate to the governments of two nations. These measures are championed by Republican Sen. Gail Griffin. All passed the committee on party-line votes. Instead of trying to undermine reintroduction that began in 1998, the focus should be on finding ways for wolves and public-land ranchers to co-exist. Such a peace plan exists. Lawmakers heard about it at the hearing — right before voting to approve the anti-wolf, antifederal government stuff. Craig Miller of the Defenders of Wildlife told the committee his group is working with ranchers on a “payment for presence” plan that would compensate ranchers just for tolerating wolves on the land. That’s in addition to longstanding programs to compensate ranchers for cattle lost to wolves. The reintroduction effort has been sensitive — some say overly sensitive — to the concerns of
There now are 37 wolves in the forests of eastern Arizona and 46 in New Mexico, where there is more unoccupied wolf habitat. - Associated Press
ranchers, and some ranchers accept that they don’t have exclusive rights to the public land they lease. Some remain viscerally opposed to wolves. The narrow views of the anti-lobo ranchers are at the heart of this legislative assault. Testimony in favor of the measures included anecdotes dating to the first release of wolves 16 years ago as evidence of the need for legislative action. Times change, people. Let’s move on. This legislative “fix” is ostensibly because ranchers can hunt down and kill bears or mountain lions they suspect of killing livestock, but they can’t do that with federally protected wolves. Of course not. Bears and lions are plentiful. Wolves are an endangered species. Support for the legislation is couched in talk about protecting ranchers from the costly effects of a federal program. But the hard truth is these ranchers likely wouldn’t have ranches if they weren’t using federal land. Blaming the federal government is an easy sell in this state. When it comes to the wolf-reintroduction program, it’s too easy. We are all Americans, after all, and we all benefit from efforts to restore and preserve the magnificent wild places and creatures that enrich our state and our nation.
KEYNI FOR MAYOR ELECTION 2014 · MAYOR OF DIVIDE. CO “Candidates that really give a crap!”
Vote as many times as you like through April 8th at tcrascolorado.com
take action
Embarrassing Press Coverage Continues for USFWS National Wolf Delisting Push… USFWS continues to take heat over their politically transparent push to nationally delist gray wolves. They’ve never looked more inept or disingenuous as they attempt to twist the ESA into silly putty to suit their agenda.
PLEASE COMMENT! Deadline Midnight March 27, 2014
Humane Lobby Day had a huge turnout
and it sounds like it was an attendance record for Humane Lobby Day in Colorado The Humane Society is so thrilled to report that this year we had 120 attendees, 25 volunteers, and more than 160 people present for the CLAW Caucus lunch. Our attendees represented 29 of the 35 Colorado state senate districts and 41 of the 65 Colorado state house districts. These are some big numbers, and we have no doubt that the numbers will be even bigger in 2015.
For full story and links, go to: howlingforjustice.wordpress.com
The comment period for the delisting is open again, since the scientific review panel rejected the proposal to delist the wolves. Please go to wolfeducation.org and click on the button to take action!
CALL, EMAIL or WRITE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR- SALLY JEWELL Department of Interior · Office of the Secretary 1849 C St. NW, Suite 7314 · Washington D.C., 20240 202-208-3100 · FEEDBACK@IOS.DOI.GOV Here is an idea of what to say: “I am calling/emailing/writing to you to let you know that I do NOT support delisting the Gray Wolf from the Endangered Species Act. Not only do most Americans disagree with delisting, but so does the Scientific Review Panel. We have seen the complete and utter failure of the states’ ability to responsibly manage wolves, and to delist them now will end Gray Wolf recovery in the United States. Do not turn your back on science, the American people, and America’s Gray Wolves.”
CWWC staff who attended · Darlene, Catherine, Mary, Michelle, Beth, Patrick and Phil
Pure love
719.687.9742 PO Box 713 · Divide, CO 80814 www. wolfeducation.org
The Christensen Family drove 7 hours from Utah for a birthday blast with the wolves, Tala and Na’vi even sang Happy Birthday!
April 11 · 12 · 13
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Full Moon Tour
Meet and greet Keyni our ambassador wolf before the tour. Tour starts immediately after and lasts approximately 1 hour. One Saturday night a month!
Full Moon Feeding TouR
This tour combines our FEEDING TOUR with our FULL MOON TOUR. The Friday before and Sunday after our Full Moon Tours.
ADULTS: $25 (13 years+) CHILDREN: $15 (8-12 years) No kids under 8 Wear warm clothes and good boots Bring a camera and a flashlight
Check wolfeducation.org for dates and check-in times
MAY 18TH · 10AM TO 5PM
MayFire 18th · 10am to 5pm Prevention Fund Raiser for• Colorado and Wildlife Center • Live Music artist Wolf booths • Beer/WINE Garden BIRDS OF PREY • door And more! ••Live Music • Artist Booths prizes• •Wolfpack Howls
• Door Prizes
• Beer/Wine Garden
• Birds of Prey
Artist Booths Available: $50
Tickets:For http://wolfstock2014.bpt.me · $30 · $15 KIDS (12 & under) details contact: ColoradoWolfLover@gmail.com www.wolfeducation.org · 719.687.9742 Tickets: http://wolfstock2014.bpt.me · $30 · $15 KIDS (12 & under) www.wolfeducation.org · 719.687.9742
Standard Tour
ADULTS $15 · CHILDREN $8 10 am, noon and 2 pm Tuesday-Sunday 1 hour educational tour
ALPHA PHOTO SESSION $150 for the first two guests · $50 for each additional guest, up to four people (must be 18 or older)
FEEDING Tour
ADULTS $20 · CHILDREN $10 Every day except Thursday (and Monday) 1 hour educational tour while your guide feeds the wolves
YOUTH FOX PHOTOS $100 for up to 4 children (must be 8 or older) Your child will have their picture taken with our red fox
WALK on the WILD SIDE $75 PER PERSON Reservations for Thursdays or Sundays Guided nature walk in the beautiful Rocky Mountains with a wolf
Get up close and personal with our wolves or foxes. Not only will you be able to interact with our wolves, but a staff photographer will also capture this ‘once in a lifetime’ experience. Each group will receive up to 15 photos on a CD to take home.* *We do our very best to capture the perfect photos with our animals, however, some days may be better than others, as each animal has an individual personality. You will receive up to 15 photos. Some will be natural and it’s possible to get a posed shot, but there are no guarantees. Your time in with the animals can vary, depending on how cooperative they are.
All tours have limited space and have our no-cancellation policy. Reschedules are allowed May-October only!
DONATIONS NEEDED FOR COSTA RICAN SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC On April 25 and 26, Darlene will be hosting a spay and neuter clinic in a small village in Costa Rica along with 2 veterinarians. The surgeries will be performed by Dr. Cordoba from Quepos, Costa Rica and Dr. Kristin Doust from Colorado. The procedures will be helpful for the health of pets and to control overpopulation. With every spay and castration, the dog or cat will receive a vaccination for common disease and rabies with Dr. Kristin along with medicine for parasites. Donations are being collected to help with to cost involved in the surgeries and medications. Please donate via Paypal at wolfeducation.org and indicate in the paypal notes that it is for CR or mail a check to CWWC · PO Box 713 · Divide, CO 80814 As always, your generosity is greatly appreciated.
March Meatball Madness I stuffed steak into deflated balloons then, after filling the balloons with a hamburger broth and water, I put the balloons in the freezer. Once frozen I took off the balloon leaving a frozen meaty treat. - Andrea
What’s Up Doc?
California Fish & Game Commission Votes Unanimously to Consider Statewide Ban on Wildlife Killing Contests Earlier this month in a remote northeastern corner of California, residents in Modoc County slaughtered at least 40 coyotes in an annual killing contest known as the Adin “Coyote Drive.” In Crane, Oregon last month, the “Eight Annual JMK Coyote Hunting Contest “ advertised no geographic restrictions for its killing contest that resulted in the death of close to 150 coyotes last year. (The number of animals killed were not disclosed this year.) In Salmon, Idaho coyotes and wolves were targeted in the “1st Annual 2 Day Coyote & Wolf Derby” where 21 coyotes were gunned down on the 40th anniversary of the passage of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) - our nation’s safety net for wildlife that brought wolves back from the brink of extinction. What do all of these killing contests have in common? They award prizes to those who kill the most individuals and the largest (and sometimes the most females) perpetuating a culture of violence that sends a message to children that life has little value and that an entire species of animals is disposable. at the request of Project Coyote, the California Fish & Game Commission voted unanimously to consider a statewide ban on wildlife killing contests. Read more at www.projectcoyote.org
A sign welcoming killers for a contest in Michigan
Welcome to Hell, Coyote Hunters
Hundreds of killing contests take place all over the USA… What is a “tagged coyote”? A tagged coyote is one that was previously trapped, marked in some way and then released, and killed for a prize.
THANK YOU!
To all of our readers who responded to the message of the male dog who had 1 week to live, we are happy to report that he is in a safe rescue center and will be adopted out. Thank you all for caring so much and for some of you offering to give this guy a loving home and a second chance. We have another sweet female in South Dakota who needs a home. Nakitta is very beautiful and appears to be a mid to high wolf/dog mix. She is 5 years old, spayed, and current on all immunizations. In good health and has had regular vet care throughout her life. Please respond to Adrienne by email to ask questions or for adoption. adriennebolt@aol.com Thank you all again for being a voice for wildlife and helping animals in need. CWWC
The Truth About Stubborn Dogs
719.687.9742 PO Box 713 · Divide, CO 80814 www. wolfeducation.org
“My dog is stubborn!” I’ve heard this from many dog owners. I used to agree with that idea, before I had a conversation with a mule trainer. I still remember my decision to call him so many years ago. After all, I felt that my young Jack Russell Terrier’s name was listed as an example in the dictionary for the word “stubborn.” But, after talking with the mule trainer, I was literally floored. When I asked him how he dealt with his most stubborn mules he replied, “Mules aren’t stubborn.” I literally took a step backwards at his statement, then I rechecked my contact information to make sure I was talking to the top mule trainer in the country, the same one who did videos and seminars. I was. Not to want to contradict this guru of mule training, I asked him to explain just what he meant. He told me his philosophy, and I learned that animals we deem as stubborn are created when people use the wrong approach to training. I changed my approach to training after my talk with that seasoned mule trainer. I no longer try to force a dog to sit by shoving down their backends when I say “sit.” I learned that trying to force some dogs will create resistance to commands and a stubborn attitude. Just like with the mule, a more stubborn dog cannot be coerced, threatened, forced, or punished into compliance. After my enlightenment, I applied my reformed dog training techniques, beginning with my own Jack Russell Terrier. Using this new approach, I found success. If I were to sum up the philosophy for getting a dog with a more stubborn nature to comply in one sentence, I’d say: The dog will never obey your command because the dog has to, the dog will only comply because the dog wants to. And, over the years, learning how to get a dog to want to comply has been very successful for me in all areas of dog training. Peggy Swager is a behaviorist and dog trainer. Her DVD on separation anxiety is “Separation Anxiety, a Weekend Technique.” In her book, Training the Hard to Train Dog, she addresses ways to train stubborn dogs. More information is at her website www.peggyswager.com.
4 very sweet dogs available at SLVAWS. Call today for more information
SLVAWS
4
1
2
3
1. 1 yr old, sweet female. Shepherd/husky mix 2. Bojangles, 1.5 yr male, good with some female dogs. High energy. Shepherd mix 3. Callie, sweet, sweet, 10 mos old, female. Retriever mix 4. Mama Tess, sweet, 1.5 yr female. Aussie mix
Roy
I’m a handsome guy who will melt your heart just like M&M’s melt in your mouth, and I am almost the color of chocolate! I am full of life and searching for a new family to share my adventures with.
Duke
CWWC will pay $200 towards the shipping to a qualified home from either of these shelters...
SLV Animal Welfare Society 719.587.woof (9663) www.slvaws.org Private Shelter Monetary Donations Needed
TCRAS the no-kill shelter in Divide, CO 719.686.7707 tcrascolorado.com
working together to find loving forever homes
I am a hunk of love looking to claim my new throne. I like to be king of my palace and lay around being pampered. I promise to brighten the lives of the lucky family who picks me!
TCRAS
ADOPT
TCRAS
PAWS - Costa Rica - PAWS is a non-
Vieques Humane Society - Vieques, Puerto Rico, a small island located off the
profit organization with its sole purpose to help improve the overall well-being of the animals in our area. “Our Mission is to provide no-kill solutions to reduce the number of homeless cats and dogs, through education, rehabilitation and re-homing.” www.pawscr.org
mainland’s east coast, for many years offered no veterinary or animal rescue services. During the early 1980’s, a handful of concerned immigrants from the states and a few local residents took a serious interest in improving the welfare of the animals. They began by feeding the island’s multitudinous strays and soliciting the help of veterinarians from Puerto Rico to sterilize them. By 1987, the Vieques Humane Society and Animal Rescue, Inc. was officially established as a non-profit organization. Today they still offer the only veterinary services on the island and have developed strong community based programs. www.viequeshumanesociety.org
The World of Wolves iPad app featuring The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is NOW AVAILABLE on iTunes. Also on iTunes, download the free CWWC app for your iPhone or iPad.
working together to make a difference “We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.” ~ Immanual Kant
Natural Resources Defense Council www.nrdc.org
www.aza.org www.projectcoyote.org
“An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.” www.bornfreeusa.org
~ Martin Buber
Mexican Grey Wolves www.mexicanwolves.org
Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center
TO: _______________________________________________________________________________ FROM: ____________________________________________________________________________ FOR THE AMOUNT OF: _________________________________________________________________ AUTHORIZED BY: ______________________ EXPIRES: _____________________________________ Excludes holidays and special events · Please mention you have a gift certificate when making reservations Year round tours by reservation only: Tues - Sun 10am · 12pm · 2pm + 4pm in the Spring and Summer
GIFT CERTIFICATE
Dedicated to educating the public about wolves, wolf dogs, foxes, and coyotes. Although these elusive animals are not often seen in the wild, through our guided tours you will have the opportunity to view them in the most natural setting possible. You will have the chance to view some of some of the endangered species that live at the Center.
719.687.9742 · www.wolfeducation.org P.O. Box 713 · Divide, CO 80814
Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center Gift Certificates Make the Perfect Gift for Every Animal Lover...
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Wild Earth Guardians
www.wildearthguardians.org
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