Save Gray Wolves From Relentless Slaughter

Target: Deb Haaland, Nominee for U.S. Secretary of the Interior

Goal: Resume federal protections for gray wolves as an endangered species.

As one of its final acts of office, the Trump Administration lifted protections for endangered gray wolves. This move opened up a free-for-all for opportunistic hunters, as state after state drafted horrific policies and encouraged early hunting. One state, Wisconsin, became a tragic real-life example of these heartless dictates in action. Apparently worried that the new administration would soon end the killing frenzy, the state launched a recent week-long wolf hunt in which hunters were “restricted” to killing 119 wolves. Within just three days, the bloodthirsty hunters had catapulted over this number and slaughtered 216 wolves. Officials closed the hunt early, but the extremely high number of hunting permits issued in the days preceding it indicate that history could soon repeat itself in Wisconsin. The state saw its population of gray wolves eradicated seven decades ago due to hunting.

This same scenario, and worse, could play out across the country in the absence of urgent action. During the Wisconsin tragedy, the animals were hunted down by packs of dogs or subjected to slower, more painful deaths via steel leg traps or neck snares that strangled them. Other state politicians are pushing laws that would legalize additional inhumane killing methods and allow unlimited hunting of wolves for bounty. The poor animals would be subject to legalized massacres day or night and by land, sea, or even air.

Sign the petition below to demand the immediate reinstatement of protections for this targeted, still-endangered wildlife.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Representative Haaland,

Under the previous administration, protections were dismissed for an animal nearly exterminated many times over the decades. Over a period of just sixty hours, over 200 of these animals were killed in Wisconsin: 80-plus percent over the week’s legal limit. Wisconsin’s Humane Society director reflected: “this is a deeply sad and shameful week for Wisconsin. This week’s hunt proves that now, more than ever, gray wolves need federal protections restored to protect them from short-sighted and lethal state management.”

The gray wolf’s politically motivated removal from endangered species protections has put it in more danger than ever. States will continue to chip away at what meager safeguards still exist for this majestic member of the wild. Several have already introduced proposals for unlimited hunting, bounty hunting, and inhumane methods that will compound the plight of these at-risk animals. Please heed the calls of conservationists and citizens who do not want to see these beautiful living beings wiped out by greed or political pandering to special interests.

When you are confirmed as Secretary of the Interior, restore protections for the gray wolf as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Paweesit