Earth Focus Episode 51 - Shades of Gray- Living with Wolves

Nope, this "Shades of Gray" isn't about passion or romance....it's about the plight of the gray wolves in the United States.

"Shades of Gray: Living With Wolves" is a 27 minute film about the current and future status of gray wolves after they were stripped of their Federal Protection under the Endangered Species Act. This film was done very well and there were good arguments on both sides of the fence: conservationists dedicated to saving these very important keynote species and the farmers whose livelihood depend on their livestock (which the wolves hunt).

A quick recap on the facts and figures presented in the film:

On April 14, 2011, gray wolves lost their Federal Protection under the Endangered Species Act in some Western States in America. Hunters are able to shoot, snare, and trap wolves in Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana.

Over 1,000 wolves were killed in the Northern Rockies since they lost Federal Protection in 2011.

Hunting quotas in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming are set to reduce the wolf population from 1,650 to 300.

Wolves were hunted to almost extinction until Congress enacted the Endangered Species Act in 1973.

Cattle ranchers and farmers with livestock are the ones that suffer most from predators such as wolves. With each livestock killed, farmers are loosing money and retaliate by killing wolves and other predators.This enforces the present issue of predator and livestock conflict.


But with groups like Predator Friendly, an organization dedicated to humane practices and wildlife stewardship developed between ranchers and conservationists, they are able to lower the incidents of livestock killings caused by wolves and other predators such as bears and mountain lions. They do this by enforcing certain practices such as:

1. Pasture management strategies.
2. Utilizing guardian animals such as dogs and llamas to watch and protect livestock (although Llamas might look a bit goofy/adorable, they are great protectors!).
3. Vigilant observation and monitor of wolves and other predators, thereby alerting ranchers and farmers when wolves and other predators are within their vicinity.

So definitely check this film out and help support gray wolves:
Earth Focus Episode 51: Shades of Gray...Living With Wolves

And when you're done, check out Predator Friendly and support their mission!
Predator Friendly

And when you're done with that, check out Defenders of Wildlife, an organization dedicated to the protection of native animals and plants in their natural habitats.
Defenders of Wildlife