Letter: We should give wolves a chance
The release of wolves in Colorado has upset many people, but did you know wolves are important for the ecosystem, food chain, fish population, and even reducing climate change?
Wolves hunt the sick and injured, preventing diseases from spreading in herds. You may think wolves are scary, but we need them to keep the food chain stable. When wolves lived in Colorado, they hunted moose, elk, and livestock.
In response, ranchers hunted wolves, nearly wiping them out across the West. In 2023, Coloradans voted to bring them back. I support this decision because wolves are vital to nature.
Living with Wolves, a nonprofit organization, states, “WOLVES, now returned to their original habitat, play a vital role in keeping the world of predator and prey in balance. Once they’ve eaten their fill, the leftovers provide food for scavengers.”
This proves wolves benefit the ecosystem. Rocky Mountain PBS adds, “By 1892, hunters killed an average of more than 10,000 wolves.” If we keep hunting them, they won’t recover.
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Instead of killing wolves, ranchers can use other strategies. In January, 15 more wolves were released from Canada. Colorado State University suggests moving livestock away from wolves and removing carcasses to avoid attracting predators. This can protect ranches without harming wolves.
I understand why ranchers are upset, but wolves lived here long before them. These beautiful pack animals form strong social bonds and can run 43 mph for 20 minutes!
Most importantly, our ecosystem needs them. A little cooperation can go a long way. We should give wolves a chance.
Maddox Winkeller
Brush Creek Elementary fifth grade
