July 2011 CWWC Newsletter by Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center

JULY 2011 NEWSLETTER

Thank You!

Simple enough words, but unfortunately in these busy times, saying “Thank You” is often forgotten completely. Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center would like to change that today.We want to extend a big, heartfelt THANK YOU to all of our friends, visitors and supporters, past, present and future! Without YOU, CWWC would not be able to expand our programs for Conservation, Education and Preservation or, provide the highest quality of care and habitats for the animals who call the Center home. We realize that with the current economic conditions, it is not easy to make contributions to any organization and that you have many choices of places to visit and where to donate your time and money. Thank you for choosing us. Your visits and contributions help make CWWC what it is today; a fun and educational experience for the whole family, and a safe, healthy environment for our resident wolves, foxes and coyotes. On behalf of the staff, volunteers and “furry residents” at CWWC, many HOWLS of THANKS! Darlene Kobobel, President/Founder

www.wolfeducation.org

Hot Weather Tips for Your Pets Even the healthiest pets can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke and sunburn if overexposed to the heat, and heat stroke can be fatal if not treated promptly. Take these simple precautions to help prevent your pet from overheating.... • Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in airconditioned rooms as much as possible. • Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, a parked car can become a furnace in no time-even with the windows open-which could lead to fatal heat stroke. Also, leaving pets unattended in cars in extreme weather is illegal in several states. • Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool - not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause stomach upset. • When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks in the heat to a minimum. • Commonly used flea and tick products, rodenticides (mouse and rat baits), and lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested, so keep them out of reach. Make sure your pets have fresh, clean water and a shady place to get out of the sun.

WILDFIRE AND YOU

Facts on Fires: In 2007 there were 12,261 wildfires caused by lightning but 73,446 wildfires caused by human error. In 2006, a total of 9.8 million acres burned due to wildfires in the U.S.a level that was 125% over the ten-year average.

www.smokeybear.com

Although most of us have no intention of setting in motion the forces which could burn hundreds of homes, millions of acres of forest and affecting thousands of lives, each year we learn of devastating wildfires caused by careless behavior. Common ways YOU could unintentionally start a wildfire • unattended debris burning • equipment fires such as from lawnmowers, ATVs, power equipment • children playing with matches or lighters • unattended campfires • fireworks • smoking - if you are going to smoke and it is permitted outdoors, safe practices require at least a 3-foot clearing around the smoker. Grind out your cigarette, cigar, or pipe tobacco in the dirt. Never grind it on a stump or log. Never throw it away into the brush or leaves. It is unsafe to smoke while walking or riding a horse or trail bike because you never know where the ash will land. Use your ashtray while in your car.

The Hayman Fire was a forest fire that started 95 miles southwest of Denver, Colorado and 35 miles northwest of Colorado Springs on June 8, 2002, and became the largest fire in the state’s recorded history. Hundreds of forestry officials and firefighters fought the fastmoving inferno, which caused nearly $40 million in damages, burned 133 homes and forced the evacuation of 5,340 people. Smoke could be seen and smelled across the state. The fire wasn’t contained until July 2, 2002 and was finally brought under control

CAMPFIRES: How to Pick Your Spot Follow these steps when picking your burning site to promote wildfire safety: • DO NOT build a fire at a site in hazardous, dry conditions. • DO NOT build a fire if the campground, area, or event rules prohibit campfires. • FIND OUT if the campground has an existing fire ring or fire pit. If there is not an existing fire pit, and pits are allowed, look for a site that is at least fifteen feet away from tent walls, shrubs, trees or other flammable objects. Also beware of low-hanging branches overhead. Note: in some areas digging pits are not allowed because of archaeological or other concerns. Find out the rules in your area please.

on July 18, 2002. The cause of the wildfire was found to be arson. Fatalities: A woman suffered a fatal asthma attack on the evening of June 10, 2002 when heavy smoke from the fire drifted over the Dows’ home south of Florissant. She died of an acute asthma attack due to or as a consequence of smoke inhalation. Five firefighters died in a traffic accident en route to the Hayman fire from Oregon. They died on June 21, 2002 and are listed in the memorial to fallen firefighters on the Wildland Firefighter Foundation’s website. Criminal prosecutions: A federal

House Safety Wildland-urban interface fires tend to be more damaging than urban structural fires, and behave differently from structural fires. The wildland-urban interface is the area where homes and other human development meet or intermingle with undeveloped forests, grasslands, or other natural areas. People who live in these areas often forget or disregard the wildland fire cycles and dangers. Homes and other structures are built and maintained in a manner that leaves them and their occupants vulnerable. Thus, fire becomes a significant threat to both humans and natural resources. Charcoal briquettes and ash from woodstoves/ fireplaces also can start wildfires. When disposing of briquettes and ash outside, drown the charcoal and ash with lots of water; stir them, and soak again. Be sure they are out cold! Sparks from lawnmowers and power equipment DO start wildfires. Be careful on hot, dry days, and be sure to get your equipment checked regularly. Creating a 30 foot zone of fire-resistant space around your home will help prevent fires from starting near or spreading to your home. In addition, consider using fire resistant plants and landscaping that may help to protect your house from a wildfire. For more tips on how to better protect your home visit http://www.firewise.org.

forestry officer, Terry Barton, who claimed she was attempting to burn a letter from her estranged husband, set the fire inside a campfire ring within an area designated for no fires due to a severe drought. The fire quickly spread out of the campfire ring and eventually torched over 138000 acres and burned across four different counties. A federal grand jury indicted Barton on four felony counts of arson. Barton ultimately pleaded guilty to the arson charge and was given a six year sentence in federal prison. It was also considered that she wanted attention by starting a fire, so she

could be a hero for saving the forest. The fire she started killed not only animals but also firefighters. She was also ordered to reimburse the federal government $14.6 million. The State of Colorado originally sentenced Barton to 12 years in prison to run concurrently with the 6-year federal sentence. However the state sentence was overturned on appeal on grounds that the presiding judge had “the appearance of prejudice” because smoke from the fire motivated him to voluntarily leave his home for one night. In March 2008, Barton was re-sentenced by a different judge to 15 years of probation.

PHOTO GALLERY

www.wolfeducation.org

Early July

Carol being Carol. We are so glad she is back with us for the summer. Hopefully she will be our veterinarian in 4 years. We love you Carol!

Storms soak Pikes Peak region.... hail and rain cause major flooding at wolf center

MindStretch Travel Adventures A student educational travel program based out of Carolina Day School in Asheville NC. 17 boys and 4 leaders are on a 12 day adventure in Colorado. They quoted,”We’re having a great time and loved this opportunity to visit the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center”. www.mindstretch.com

Ask us about GROUP tours for your club or organization Can you spot the fox in this picture?

VIP

IN THE NEWS

www.wolfeducation.org

Environmentalists, government debate gray wolf in court Conservation groups seek to restore endangered species safeguards MISSOULA, Montana — Environmentalists went to federal court on Tuesday seeking to restore endangered species safeguards for some 1,200 gray wolves in Montana and Idaho removed from protection by an unprecedented act of Congress. Conservation groups say Congress exceeded its authority by intervening in an ongoing court case to remove the wolves from the endangered species list without bothering to amend the underlying law and by presuming to exclude its action from judicial review. Jay Tutchton, a lawyer for several groups challenging the delisting, said lawmakers sought to take a “politically expedient shortcut” that violates the constitutional separation of powers between the courts and Congress. But government lawyers said the delisting, tucked into a budget bill signed into law by President Barack Obama in April, effectively amended the Endangered Species Act by making a special exemption for wolf populations in the Rockies. The gray wolf become the first animal ever taken off the endangered list by an act of Congress rather than through a process of scientific review. Wolves were once hunted, trapped and poisoned to the edge of extinction, but their recovery in the Northern Rockies has brought them into conflict with ranchers, farmers and sportsmen who see the animal as a growing threat to livestock and big-game animals, such as elk. Environmentalists say the impact of wolves on cattle herds and wildlife is overstated, and they fear removal of federal safeguards could push the wolf back to the brink of extinction. The controversy has been especially heated in the Rockies, where gray wolves were reintroduced over the vehement objections of ranchers in the mid1990s. The estimated 1,200 wolves in Idaho and Montana

remain under control of state wildlife agencies now devising management plans that call for killing hundreds of the animals, mostly through public hunting. About 300 wolves in Wyoming are still federally protected for the time being. Prompt decision The two sides argued their case in a two-hour hearing in Missoula, Montana, before U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy, who had ruled in favor of environmentalists last August when he struck down a similar delisting plan implemented in 2009 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Molloy ruled at the time that the agency had violated the Endangered Species Act by treating Montana and Idaho wolves differently from those in Wyoming. Molloy held that they all had to be managed together as a single population. Molloy again rejected the delisting plan in April when it was presented as a negotiated settlement between the federal government and 10 conservation groups. Several other environmental organizations continued to oppose it. Just days later, Congress voted to override Molloy’s decision and put the Fish and Wildlife Service’s plan into effect. Government lawyer Andrea Gelatt said on Tuesday that Congress was entitled to effectively amend federal laws, such as the Endangered Species Act, by carving out exemptions to them, saying lawmakers may “speak by language of exceptions.” But Molloy, who promised a prompt decision in the case, pressed her on the question of restricting court oversight. “Then why is it not subject to judiciary review?” he asked. “This indirectly says, ‘We don’t like the result of this, so we’re reversing the court’s decision and telling the agency to go ahead and do something illegal.’”

Each month we are featuring a different animal in danger of extinction (already on the ES list) or an animal that is scheduled for inclusion to the Endangered Species list. We’ve set up a display table in the Visitor Center with information on the animal of the month and a donation jar. At the end of each month, monies collected will be sent to a non-profit ambassador organization chosen by us.

AUGUST’S ANIMAL OF THE MONTH

WHALES and DOLPHINS Pacific Wale Foundation · www.pacificwhale.org

Pacific Whale Foundation’s mission is to protect our oceans through science and advocacy. Special offers at the Center with a chance to win a trip for 2 to Maui.

www.wolfeducation.org

AUGUST EVENTS & SPECIAL TOURS sunday

monday

these tours & events are in addition to our regular tours... 7

NEW TOUR

6-8PM Walk on the Wild Side

tuesday wednesday thursday

6PM Feeding Fest Tour 9

6PM Feeding Fest Tour 16

6PM Feeding Fest Tour

6PM Feeding Fest Tour 17

6PM Feeding Fest Tour

6PM Feeding Fest Tour 10

friday

6-8PM Walk on the Wild Side

6PM Feeding Fest Tour

6-8PM Walk on the Wild Side

6PM Feeding Fest Tour

saturday

6PM Feeding Fest Tour 13

FULL MOON TOUR

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one greet with

6PM Feeding Fest Tour

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

6PM Feeding Fest Tour

6-8PM Walk on the Wild Side 28

6-8PM Walk on the Wild Side

6PM Feeding Fest Tour

6-8PM Walk on the Wild Side

6PM Feeding Fest Tour

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE : Thursdays & Sundays · 6-8 pm What could be better than a walk in the beautiful Colorado Mountains with a wolf? Are you physically fit, love nature and wolves? Try something really different and unique. The terrain is dirt and in places steep and we will be walking approx. a half mile. On this tour you will learn about native trees, plants and mountain ranges. $75 per person - Snacks and water will be provided

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(Space is limited to 12 people ages 15 and older only please)

Feeding Fest Tour : Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday · 6 PM Meet our resident animals during the feeding tour and observe them when they are most active...feeding time! Learn about hunting, howling and hierarchy and communicate with the pack in a group howl! Adults $20 · Children 12 and under $10

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Last month we to ld you about our two new swift fox.... and now they have their new names. One is Kohana Native American meaning “Swift” and the other one is Tokala Native American meaning “Fox”.

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Do something UNIQUE and meaningful for yourself or a loved one. Express your love and support for wolves and other wildlife by supporting one of the animals at our sanctuary. This $50 yearly adoption charge goes straight to the animals medical treatment, enclosure maintenance, food and enrichment activities. Each person who adopts a wolf, fox, or coyote will receive an adoption certificate with the persons name written on it in recognition of your donation and love for your chosen animal. go to wolfeducation.org and click on the ADOPT A WOLF button

working together to make a difference... “We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.” ~ Immanual Kant

Mexican Grey Wolves www.mexicanwolves.org

Natural Resources Defense Council www.nrdc.org

www.aza.org www.projectcoyote.org

www.defendersofwildlife.org

become a fan of CWWC

“An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.”

Wild Earth Guardians

www.wildearthguardians.org

For current wolf articles and to be a voice through knowledge

~ Martin Buber

...conservation education preservation

Information presented on this newsletter is considered public information (unless otherwise noted) and may be distributed or copied. Use of appropriate byline/ photo/image credit is requested. Some of the documents in this newsletter may contain live feed references (or pointers) to information created and maintained by other organizations. Please note that CWWC does not control and cannot guarantee the relevance, timeliness, or accuracy of these outside materials.