The Montana Fish Wildlife &
Parks Commission voted unanimously yesterday not to extend the wolf-hunting
season in the West Fork of the Bitterroot, and withdrew its proposal to kill
even more mountain lions in the same area.
And you were
instrumental in persuading the Commission to spare wolves and mountain lions.
More than 1,900 Guardians from around the nation
and across the globe joined us in opposing these proposals last week, and you
made a difference. The Commission Chairman, Professor Bob Ream, noted he
was influenced by public comments on the proposals.
Unfortunately, the Commission did approve
continued hunting for bison that wander out of Yellowstone National Park in
search of winter forage.
With
your support, WildEarth Guardians proudly defends Montana's wolves, mountain
lions, and bison. We opposed these hunting proposals and we continue to fight
in court to overturn the premature delisting of wolves from the Endangered
Species Act.
We
also conducted a statewide campaign for mountain lion management reform in Montana
that resulted in the state adopting a mandatory, online hunter education
program that protects breeding females and their dependent young.
The
Montana wildlife Commission has wisely chosen not to extend hunting for wolves
and mountain lions. Montana receives millions of dollars from wildlife-watching
based tourism. We hope this decision reflects a new understanding in Montana that
wolves and mountain lions are worth more alive than dead.
Help us
leverage this victory by supporting our Wolves in the American West Campaign. Please consider
giving $10, $50, or even $100 today and we promise to do our part to continue
to advocate for stronger wolf protections in the West.
Again,
thank you for your activism and support, and for making a difference for the wolves
and mountain lions in the Bitterroot.
