Mike Jimenez goes to work for Wyoming on wolves

Added 4-26. Federal wolf official taking top role in Wyoming. By Matt Joyce.  Associated Press Writer

Mike Jimenez, who managed wolves in Wyoming for many years for the federal government under Ed Bangs in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has taken over the role of wolf coordinator for the state of Wyoming, it was announced today. He will oversee the state’s management of about 170* wolves in Wyoming that do no live in Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Park.

While in his job for the feds, Park County tried to prosecute Jimenez for “littering” — “littering the county with wolves.” It actually went to federal court.

Wolf coordinators for the other states are Carolyn Sime in Montana and Steve Nadeau (pronounced like meadow) in Idaho.

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*188 wolves was the figure at the end of 2007. Since then at least ten, and probably more have been killed in Wyoming’s “wolves-are-now-vermin” zone, plus unreported illegal and “control” killings in the trophy game zone.

Jackson Hole Bears are searching for food near homes

Bears in Jackson Hole are searching for food near homes. By Cory Hatch. Jackson Hole Daily.

A “group of bears” (probably a sow and three large cubs) has been near homes around the east boundary of Grand Teton National Park.  They are also quite far south for Jackson Hole, and they are especially hungry because the deep snow continues to cover grass, newly growing forbs, carion, etc.

The bears might be famous grizzly 399 and her cubs about which a news story was recently published.

Previous story (April 16) on grizzly bear 399 and cubs. Photogenic grizzly family making last show together. By Cory Hatch.  Jackson Hole News and Guide.

Open Thread: Why Protect Wildlife ?

Readers of the blog have expressed interest in a space to explore ‘Why ?’ and ‘How best ?’ wildlife advocacy might happen.  Academics might call this inquiry “Environmental Ethics”. There are many flavors to choose from, as many as there are people talking about it.

This space asks why you value wildlife/the wild, how do you think we ought pursue its protection and why ?    

Hank Fischer: Royal Teton Ranch Deal Critical for Yellowstone Bison

Hank Fischer: Royal Teton Ranch Deal Critical for Yellowstone Bison. Guest commentary. New West.

I wish I could agree with Fischer, and we do know the world can’t be changed in one step. However, if this is “a template” for future deals, as he says, then we won’t see much improvement in a lifetime.

Denali wolves wearing snares. Animals are roaming free with devices caught on necks

Denali wolves wearing snares. Animals are roaming free with devices caught on necks. By Mary Pemberton.  Associated Press.

Under Wyoming’s wolf plan this could happen inside Yellowstone Park because most of the packs leave the Park from time to time.