Number: 1984-27
WHEREAS, the Northern Rocky Mountain wolf (Canis lupus irremotus) is a symbol of wild, undeveloped country and once was an integral part of the natural ecosystems of the West; and
WHEREAS, populations of the Northern Rocky Mountain wolf have been all but eradicated as a result of
- intensive human settlement,
- direct conflict with domestic livestock,
- a lack of understanding the animal’s ecology and habits,
- fears and superstitions about wolves, and
- predator control programs; and
WHEREAS, because of these factors the range of the Northern Rocky Mountain wolf has been reduced to scattered sightings centered in central Idaho, northwestern Wyoming, and western Montana; and
WHEREAS, the Northern Rocky Mountain wolf was listed in 1973 as an endangered species under the Federal Endangered Species Act; and
WHEREAS, the Northern Rocky Mountain Wolf Recovery Plan, approved May, 1980, has as its objective the re-establishment and maintenance of viable Northern Rocky Mountain wolf populations where feasible in portions of its former range; and
WHEREAS, the Northern Rocky Mountain Wolf Recovery Team, appointed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has identified northwestern Montana, central Idaho, and the Yellowstone National Park area as locations where Northern Rocky Mountain wolves can co-exist with human activities;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 15-18, 1984, in Atlanta, Georgia, hereby strongly supports the re-establishment and maintenance of viable Northern Rocky Mountain wolf populations in the three suitable areas identified by the Northern Rocky Mountain Wolf Recovery Team; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation urges all involved State and Federal agencies to implement such a recovery effort.