"Gray wolves in the Northern Rockies have just been placed under federal protection due to a recent court decision. Unfortunately, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming are still looking for ways to reduce their wolf populations. Defenders of Wildlife is working with the states, ranchers, hunters and other stakeholders to ensure a healthy future for wolves in the region." Defenders of Wildlife
In case you don't already know, our Etsy For Animals' chosen Charity of the Month is Defenders of Wildlife. Founded in 1947, Defenders is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants. They use education, advocacy, research and litigation to accomplish their mission and have over 500,000 members worldwide.
by IndieWolf
"What man does not understand, he fears; and what he fears, he tends to destroy." (author unknown)
Never in the history of this country has there been an animal so hated and misunderstood as the wolf. It wasn't always this way. Native Americans regarded wolves as one of the greatest of all the animal teachers because they're excellent team players, know the meaning of loyalty, and value their young, yet are still able to think and function independently. But years of persecution started by the European settlers, along with loss of habitat and government sponsored anti-wolf campaigns, caused wolves in the United States to become virtually extinct by the 20'th century. As in the past, the main accusation against wolves now is that they take food away from humans.
First, some sportsmen claim wolves are eating so many elk, deer and moose that there aren't enough of these animals left for them to hunt. Anti-wolf extremists, some of whom are calling themselves "patriots", are now urging their followers to illegally kill wolves because they believe the wolves are "robbing" them of game that belongs to them. CLICK HERE if you'd like to read about one such group's plans to destroy wolves
Second are the ranchers who seek to keep their livestock safe, the largest groups being sheep and cattle breeders. Although wolves are not a significant cause of livestock loss, their natural resources for food have been depleted by indiscriminate hunting and loss of habitat, so they do sometimes turn to livestock in order to feed themselves.
Third, some government officials are less than enthusiastic about wolf reintroduction and are working to challenge, amend and overturn current laws with new legislation.
by theanimalsmagicshop
To encourage cooperation with laws and to help prevent problems, Defenders of Wildlife has programs to educate ranchers in non-lethal protective measures. If problems arise, natural resource managers are available to help on an individual basis.
And finally, Defenders has a Wolf Compensation Trust that provides compensation to ranchers for verified cases in which livestock has been taken by wolves. This trust has been in effect for 23 years and is just now being transitioned over to a partnership with individual states to initiate their own wolf compensation programs.
Defenders will be funding range riders, guard dogs and portable fencing projects plus providing guidance and contributing additional funds to help states initiate these programs. In addition, they also work with law enforcement and federal officials to find and prosecute lawless wolf killers.
by faeriegood
Unlike humans, wolves can't garden, raise livestock, hunt with traps, guns, dogs, snowmobiles, helicopters and airplanes, stock up at the supermarket, or call pizza delivery. Their options for obtaining food are limited and seldom easy. Although they prefer large game, studies have shown that often the bulk of a wolf's diet actually consists of small animals, especially mice and rabbits. They also eat moths, beetles, and carrion.
CLICK HERE to learn more about wolves :
by brizel4TheAnimals
"Man does not weave this web of life. He is merely a strand of it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself." ( Chief Seattle )
Finally, it should be mentioned that anti-wolf extremists are very vocal and miss no opportunities to do harm. So it's important for those of us who care about wolves to be the same, but in a proactive and positive way.
Please consider learning more about Defenders of Wildlife, and making a personal pledge to do something to help the wolves who have no means to protect themselves from humans other than attempting to run. They are struggling to live and are completely dependent on us to give them a voice, so raise your voice on behalf of the wolves and be heard!
All of the wonderful wolf items shown in this post come from EFA members who are donating a portion of the sales proceeds to benefit Defenders of Wildlife.
support a new beginning for wolves:
You can also take a peek at Defenders blog HERE
To read more blog articles on Defenders...
see September 1 post HERE and September 2 post HERE 
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