Colorado Wolf AND WILDLIFE CENTER JULY 2018
HAPPY ENDINGS by Stacey Rampp Our readers who have received our newsletters since last summer may remember the story of our little shy boy, Sky, and his journey as staff and volunteers got to know him. For those who have not followed his story—here it is in short. Sky was bred and born in captivity by a breeder. At 3 weeks of age he was purchased and had a home for the first year of his life. Unfortunately, wild animals as well as hybrids can become very difficult to manage for those who have not had experience with them. With proper attention, patience, and education, these animals can have a fulfilling life with those who can commit themselves to the 24/7 job. Shortly after Sky’s first birthday, his owner could no longer keep him, and he made his way to his new placement at CWWC. This major change was scary for him, and we did all that we could to bring him comfort. Over the course of the summer, we saw little bits of a goofy personality begin to come out. We learned that he is the world’s pickiest eater, loves any kind of squeaky toys, and is very
forgiving. This is when I became hooked by this animal. I spent much of my free time and days off visiting with Sky, providing enrichment, and letting him get to know me so that I could get to know him. I think he and I eventually realized a few things about each other and became “friends.” I remember the day that he first let me pet him, the day he allowed me to lift him up in my arms, and the day that I realized I wanted to be his forever home. I am excited to be putting this thought into action and announce that I have adopted Sky into my family as I start a new journey. I hope to keep everyone updated as I continue to use his story to educate about wild animal and hybrid breeding industries, the importance of coyotes in our ecosystems, and of course share with the world a wonderful, unique personality worthy of a long and happy life. I also would like to thank my CWWC family and Indiana Coyote Rescue Center for being a part of Sky’s journey. You guys rock.
Thank you to all who endorsed the attached letter, which was sent to FWS regional director Amy Lueders with a cc. to John Oakleaf and Maggie Dwire. Michael J. Robinson, Conservation Advocate Center for Biological Diversity Silver City, New Mexico · (575) 313-7017 www.biologicaldiversity.org
CERTIFIED BY THE
Regional Director Amy Lueders U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Via email: RDLueders@fws.gov
July 12, 2018
RE: Release of family packs of endangered Mexican gray wolves to address inbreeding The Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization certified by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA). Look for this logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. The contents of the material we include in our newsletter does not necessarily reflect the views of Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center. We collect information from sources that are from other organizations, the web, news feeds, and/or other sources. We choose articles that are in the related field of education and conservation.
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Dear Director Lueders, The undersigned 25 organizations and two individuals request that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service resume releasing into the wild pair-bonded adult male and female Mexican gray wolves with pups – the means by which reintroduction was initiated in 1998 and successfully undertaken until abandoned under political pressure in 2007. We specifically request the release of three packs this summer into the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico, timed for presence of elk calves which would facilitate such packs learning to hunt. Absent such family pack releases the Service will not follow even the insufficient measures pledged in the Mexican Wolf Recovery Plan that was published just last year. More consequentially, the crisis of inbreeding that is imperiling the Mexican wolf would continue to worsen. The November 2017 Mexican Wolf Recovery Plan, First Revision and the accompanying Recovery Implementation Schedule and Biological Report, the latter of which includes a population viability analysis, comprise the Service’s road-map for recovering the Mexican wolf – a road-map which we believe to be misguided, and which some of the signatories below are currently litigating over. Nonetheless it is imperative that, at a bare minimum, the Service adhere to the inadequate schedule for wolf releases outlined therein The Recovery Implementation Schedule calls for “Cross-foster[ing] 12 wolf pups/year” for sixteen years and for “Releas[ing] pairs with pups if cross-fostering is deemed unsuccessful,” and projects that need to occur every four years over the course of sixteen years.1 Success is defined by the Biological Report as “pups surviving and breeding, such that their genetic material is integrated into the wild population.”2 Leaving for the future quantification of eventual breeding by wolves who were released as pups – since it is still early but so far pups cross-fostered from captivity into the wild have not reproduced – the success of pups known to survive to date can still be measured. And their rate of known survival is much lower than the biological report’s population viability assessment predicted in arriving at the conclusion that wolf releases would shore up genetic health and contribute to eventual recovery. The population viability assessment predicted average annual pup mortality at 28.2%,3 and on that basis (as well as on the basis of projected yearling and adult mortality rates) the recovery plan calls for releases of approximately 70 wolves over 16 years in order to ensure that 22 wolves survive to age two if they are released as pups or survive one year following release if they are released as adults.4 Yet, among the ten pups that were released in 2016 (six) and 2017 (four), just one pup each year was known to be alive at the end of the year – for an apparent mortality rate of 83.3% in 2016 and 75% in 2017 or a two-year average annual apparent-failure rate of 80%. Any of those metrics is much higher than the projected 28.2%
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mortality rate, so even if (as we hope) additional subadult or adult wolves will be identified as animals that were cross-fostered from captivity, the pup-mortality rate is still likely too high. Not only does the pup-mortality rate suggest lack of success, and thus argues for releases of family groups but, even more conclusively, the rate of wolf-pup releases compared to the intended rate of releases demonstrates a lack of success – and thus should trigger additional family releases on top of those prompted by high pup-mortality. Whereas the Service intended to release through cross-fostering twelve pups per year, over the past three seasons (i.e. 2016 – 2018 in the spring when wolf pups are born) it released just half that many: six in 2016, four in 2017 and eight in 2018 – totaling eighteen, which represents a shortfall of eighteen pups from the 36 that the implementation plan calls for releasing from 2016 through 2018. That shortfall alone suffices to trigger the need for releases of adult pairs with pups, according to the Service’s own recovery documents. Please understand that even adhering to the recovery plan would mean very dicey prospects for actual recovery, so its wolf-release standards that we cite should not be considered merely aspirational targets. Comments on the draft recovery plan submitted to the Service pointed out that the planned releases are not enough because the biological report underestimates the deleterious effects on reproduction of inbreeding and thus is too optimistic about the probability of these wolves successfully mating and gestating and rearing pups.5 According to newly-published research on the wild U.S. Mexican wolf population, “genetic variation continues to deteriorate . . . possibly . . . due to inbreeding and drift.”6 This is particularly alarming because as far back as eleven years ago, research demonstrated that lack of genetic variation among the wild Mexican wolves caused inbreeding depression as observed in reductions in reproduction and pup-survival rates.7 The fact that inbreeding now is further lowering genetic variation – which will then further affect reproduction – illustrates accelerating risk to the population and to the entire Mexican gray wolf subspecies. We implore you to take the necessary steps to arrest the inbreeding, genetically-rescue the wild U.S. population, and keep alive the possibility of recovery of this beautiful, intelligent and social mammal that is much beloved by the people of the Southwest and that is critical to the conservation of its ecosystems. Those necessary next steps are the release into the Gila Wilderness, without further delay, of at least three pair-bonded adult Mexican wolves with their pups.
This is Jeanne, Darlene and the wonderful staff person that pushed her for me the day we were there in 10/2016. I thought I had a better one of her looking at the camera I think she was still checking out one of the wolves One last look . . . . . one last howl . . . . My best to all of you Cathy
Thank you for your consideration. COLORADO WOLF AND WILDLIFE CENTER | 3 |
too close!
We survived another wildfire and want to say thank you to the firefighters and all who were on evacuation standby to help evacuate the center. As of July 9th The High Chateau Fire in Teller County was 100 percent contained. More than 1,400 acres burned and at least 10 homes were destroyed in the fire. The fire came within 10 miles of the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center. Three Colorado Springs residents were charged with first-degree arson for the fire that erupted on June 29th, punishable by up to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $750,000. The trio ignored the Stage 2 fire ban and built a campfire in a 3-footwide stone ring. They tried extinguishing the fire with water and dirt two or three hours later, after being spooked by a bear in the area and deciding to leave.
Jonathan and Hannah and their lemonade stand to raise money for the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center.
Alexa and her kids tour go to wolfeducation.org for future dates and her flyer
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A glimpse of new
MEMORIALS We never forget those that have crossed over the rainbow bridge.
STAR - The oldest Mexican Grey wolf ever.
We strive to make the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center the absolute best it can be for not only the animals that live and thrive here, but for our many visitors that come year after year to learn and admire these beautiful creatures. A new entrance has emerged and is nearing completion.
Rick is little by little redoing our 10x10 entrance gates to the wolf enclosures. They are so much better. Our old ones were falling apart and hard to get in and out of.
RAIN BARRELS - rain is a precious commodity and when we do get it, we save it for our plant watering.
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EDUCATION CORNER A main attraction.
COYOTE ROLLERS The coyote rollers are designed for coyotes not being able to get into a dog enclosure. In our case, it is to keep our fox in because they spin if they try to climb.
FLOWER GARDENS - Are looking beautiful this time of year.
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ADOPTION CORNER
ADOPTION CORNER
Available from TCRAS · Teller County Regional Animal Shelter
Available from San Luis Valley Animal Welfare Society
tcrascolorado.com · 719.686.7707 · NO-KILL shelter in Divide, Colorado
slvaws.org · 719.587.woof (9663) · Non-Profit NO-KILL Shelter
ZEUS AGE: 7 y 0 m 7 d SEX: Male/Neutered Fawn Great Dane/Mix This gentle Giant world has changed so quickly on him. His family who cared deeply about him had to move to a place that would not allow him. He lived with a small dog and has been around children. Please stop by to visit with him. Such a sweet guy.
KANE AGE: 0 y 3 m 7 d SEX: Male/Neutered Liver/Lynx Domestic Shorthair/Mix This handsome kitten is ready to start a new life with you. He and a bunch of litter-mates have been growing up in the shelter and are wanting to find out what a home is like. Please come by to visit with Kane or his litter-mates.
ADOPTION FAIR · Saturdays 10am-4pm at the Petco in Colorado Springs at 5020 N. Nevada
CAMO Camo was a stray transferred to us from Land of Ahs, Ft. Carson. He is super friendly and affectionate with adults, but has shown discomfort with children, as a child once rushed him and screamed at him while in his crate at an adoption fair. Energetic and full of life, he will need lots of exercise. A good hiking, biking partner. Come visit Camo on any Saturday at the 5020 N. Nevada Petco, Colorado Springs, from 10 AM to 4 PM. 2 years old, neutered, vaccinations. Shown with Rileigh Jones, on a visit from Cornell. She was a 4-year adoption fair volunteer, now headed to veterinary school.
Killing sharks, wolves and other top predators won’t solve conflicts
Coyote trapped in plastic tubing and bare bear make remarkable recovery at the Fund for Animals Wildlife Center
theconversation.com
Kitty Block: A Humane Nation
In French Polynesia, fishing is an integral part of everyday life. The people living here fish on the flats and along the reef using nets, hooks and line, harpoons, spear guns and traditional artisanal traps. They fish for food. They are also seeing the benefits of using their traditional knowledge to guide recreational fishing tourists — a business with potential to improve long term employment security. Abundant sharks in the lagoon led to questions about their contribution to the fishery and whether it would help the fishery if they were targeted. This is a question that is often on the minds of humans when they encounter predators. As an ecologist working with the fish populations in French Polynesia, I went looking for research about what happens to an ecosystem when a predator is removed. Are the responses predictable? Does it work? Can we make generalizations? Our new study, published in Biological Conservation, surveyed the research on predator removal and identified several interesting — and perhaps unexpected — trends. Humans and other predators Predators are among the most charismatic animals on Earth — lions, eagles and sharks adorn many human symbols. On land, in the air and in water, predators fascinate and inspire, they are quintessential representations of nature’s majesty and might. In spite of their ecological, economic and cultural significance, predators are among the most heavily persecuted animals, due to conflict with humans and their assets. Predators attack and kill livestock, hunt economically important prey and can kill or injure people or be perceived as a threat to human safety. These conflicts may motivate humans to try to manage predators to lessen the damages. One of the oldest and most rudimentary methods is to cull or remove them, even though predators are already rare and some are threatened with extinction. The motivation to remove predators is easy to understand, but what if predator removal does not even achieve the desired outcomes? In balance Predators are essential to ecosystems because they regulate prey populations. Without predators, prey can become over-abundant. This can result in damage to local plants, as well as disease outbreaks that can spread to domesticated animals. Top predators like wolves dominate small predators like coyotes, keeping those populations in check too. Without predators, ecosystems become unbalanced in many ways because plants, herbivores and small predators change in response to their loss. In a perfect scenario, successful predator removal would strike a balance. It would reduce conflict and be sustainable, but not cause the predator population to disappear entirely. However, our review of 141 studies of predator removal revealed that success is rarely achieved.
Livestock attacks weren’t always reduced when predators were removed, and the human-wildlife conflict remained. On top of that, new predators often moved into vacated territory and recolonized areas where others had been removed. For example, when caracal (a type of wild cat) and leopard were culled in South Africa, predator conflicts on farms increased. A small number of studies have shown successful removal of predators without harming the predator population, and led to increases in the prey population. However, these examples of success were generally from the Arctic where wolves were removed to increase caribou or moose numbers. In that scenario, there are fewer links in the food web, possibly making responses more predictable. Generally, however, the responses were unpredictable and removing predators often failed for one reason or another. Coexistence, not conflict Ecosystems are complex networks of species. They include plants, decomposers, naturally subordinate predators (such as feral cats, foxes and coyotes), pathogens, predators and their prey. Together, they all play vital roles in regulating each other. When humans remove predators, the effects are consistently negative. The action can, for example, fracture wolf packs into smaller units, or increase the reproductive rates of coyotes to produce even more offspring. This can have knock on effects, including an increase in disease, plant damage if herbivore populations explode and even an increase in the number of collisions between large herbivores, such as moose, and vehicles. Instead of killing predators, there are other measures we can take to reduce conflict and learn to live with wildlife. In parts of Alberta, biologists are encouraging landowners to use electric fencing around bee hives and chicken coops to fend off bears. These types of non-lethal solutions can be tested and may often be more effective than removing the predator. Other studies have suggested that “rewilding” an ecosystem — that is, reintroducing species into the ecosystem — can reduce conflicts. When their prey are abundant, the predators have less interest in nearby livestock. One study showed that lynx conflict with farmers increased when their natural prey, roe deer, were scarcer. Essential elements Instead of removing predators to manage human-wildlife conflict, we should be looking towards non-lethal alternatives. Using deterrent devices (lights, sounds or flapping material) can keep predators away from homes, fields and livestock. Predators aren’t only symbols, they are essential parts of healthy terrestrial and aquatic landscapes. And beyond what we value, we should feel an imperative to preserve the diversity of life we share Earth with, most of which precedes our own evolution. Efforts to protect predators or proactively promote their return, rather than continue contributing to their decline and extinction, are among the greatest conservation challenges we face.
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Photo by Christine Barton
For the last few months, our Fund for Animals Wildlife Center in Ramona, California, has been home to two high-profile residents: a coyote found with plastic construction tubing wrapped around her neck, and a bear, Eve, who came to us severely underweight and completely bald. Today, I want to share with you the remarkable progress made by these animals – just two of many hundreds received by the center each year – as they have journeyed from sickness to health, aided every step of the way by our amazing staff and volunteers. The coyote, observed in San Diego neighborhoods with the tubing around her neck, was trapped and brought to the center in May. The center’s medical staff went to work immediately to remove the plastic tubing and snare cable from her neck. The coyote was emaciated, and once the tube was off, her severe wounds became apparent, including a number of deep abrasions and cuts and swelling. Freed from the tubing and following extensive treatment, she spent hours sleeping soundly. She spent her next few days in the center’s state-of-the-art recovery room. Once her wounds healed, she was transferred to a specially designed outdoor enclosure, where staff
Photo by Sandy Huffaker
members took care to ensure that she recovered fully without the stress of having people around her – vitally important for an animal accustomed to life in the wild. On June 18, caretakers placed the coyote onto a truck and took her back to her home territory, near where she had been captured, and let her go free. The coyote’s capture, treatment and recovery has been a “roller-coaster ride,” Matt Anderson, the director of FFAWC, told me. But it is a true success story, one which ended in a successful release, and just one of the many happy outcomes that our staff at the Fund for Animals Wildlife Center produce every day – a true testament to the collective expertise of our team. Our center is a 13-acre facility that specializes in treating and rehabilitating wildlife. It has a fully equipped medical center and staff and volunteers trained to meet the special needs of ill, injured and orphaned wildlife year-round. Each year, the center treats more than 800 animals, and since it was created in 1984, it has received 20,000 animals, most of them orphaned, injured or ill patients, rehabilitated and released back into their native habitats. The center specializes in hawks, owls, eagles, skunks, coyotes, bobcats, bears and mountain lions, and it has special areas for the animals to recuperate, including coyote enclosures, and a 150-foot, free-flight enclosure that enables birds of prey to exercise their atrophied muscles after recovering from illness or injury.
The bear cub arrived at the center late last year after Samaritans found her foraging for food in northern California. Had the California Department of Fish and Wildlife not intervened and brought her to the center, she would have died from the cold. Eve, as volunteers and her followers nicknamed her, was the most severe case anyone at the center had ever seen: she was completely bald and was suffering from a serious mange. Her entire body was dry and cracked and covered in spots with crusty, dead and infected skin. In the seven months since she arrived at the center, Eve has undergone intensive treatments including months of blood work, biopsies, skin treatments and medication. Her progress has been steady and extraordinary: she arrived weighing under 30 pounds but now is more than 100 pounds. Her mange is gone, although she still has a lingering skin infection for which she gets medicated baths, and her fur is growing back too. We are hopeful now that she will make enough progress to be released into the wild one day. But meanwhile, Eve has made herself at home at the center, climbing trees and using the pool on hot days. As Matt said, “she doesn’t quite look like a completely healthy bear yet but we are pleased that she is certainly behaving more like one.” COLORADO WOLF AND WILDLIFE CENTER | 11 |