(KBC Note: perhaps the rural folks should write the urbanites in Olympis, WA, the same condescending note about the sweet raccoons that they consider are terrorizing them--they just need to "do everything possible to help change people's attitudes and to increase their understanding and appreciation for these beautiful animals. Read following 'Cat-killing raccoons' article"

A howling success

Register-Guard Editorial September 18, 2006

The recent videotaping and sightings of a wild wolf in Wallowa County raises hopes that the magnificent creatures once hunted to near extinction throughout the West are making a comeback in Oregon.

The July videotaping and sightings last weekend provide firm evidence that a new strategy to allow wolves to migrate into Oregon from Idaho, where they were introduced as part of a federal recovery program a decade ago, is off to a promising start.

An Oregon management plan, more than three years in the making, sets an ambitious goal of four breeding pairs each in eastern Oregon and western Oregon, with the animals monitored by state biologists.

The plan represents a complete turnaround in Oregon's historical approach to wolves. Just six decades ago, state wildlife officials were so intent on eliminating wolves that they were paying bounties to wolf hunters.

There are still plenty of hurdles to overcome. Some ranchers still adamantly oppose allowing any wolves to return to the state, arguing that the animals pose a threat to both their livelihoods and rural lifestyles.

Eventually, that resistance should dissipate once wolves are removed from the endangered species list and ranchers are allowed to kill wolves that destroy their livestock. Until then, federal and state officials should work closely with concerned ranchers and the public at large, doing everything possible to help change people's attitudes and to increase their understanding and appreciation for these beautiful animals.