We represent 15,000 concerned citizens in Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and Minnesota. We are reaching out to you with a matter that touches the very soul of our natural world and hearts. This matter is the protection of wolves in our country. Wolves are not just creatures of the wild; they are symbols of wilderness, balance, and resilience. They hold sacred significance for Indigenous peoples and play a critical role in maintaining the health of our ecosystems. Yet, they face threats that will push them back towards extinction.

During your appearance on Brave Wilderness, your grandchildren asked you a deeply resonating question. They said, “Pop, they’re going to kill all the wolves! Why’s that happening, Pop?” This heartfelt question shows the innocence of the younger generation. They have compassion and deserve to inherit a world where wolves and other wildlife thrive.

The previous administration’s decision to remove federal endangered species protections for wolves had tragic consequences. In Wisconsin alone, over 250 wolves were killed in less than three days. The methods used defy humanity: baiting, snares, and dogs. This is not merely hunting. It is a massacre that threatens ecological balance. It also robs future generations of witnessing these majestic animals in their natural habitat. Wisconsin’s hunt is little more than state-sanctioned dog fighting, with losses on both sides. Haven’t we evolved from blood-sport?

In states like Idaho and Montana, extreme policies are leading to a drastic reduction in wolf populations. Up to 90% of these populations are being decimated. These actions threaten to undo decades of successful recovery efforts. They also risk tipping wolves back towards extinction. The implications extend beyond the wolves themselves, affecting biodiversity and ecosystems across our nation. Moreover, we must tackle tragedies unfolding within Yellowstone National Park. Venturing outside park boundaries results in alarming wolf deaths. During one season alone, 25 Yellowstone wolves were killed when they briefly wandered beyond park limits. This devastates both park populations and ecosystems alike!

Protecting wolves incurs greater costs than efforts for other species. This is due largely to appropriation needs and general tax funding by hunter lead initiatives.. Still, wolves’ overarching trophic cascade benefits many imperiled species. They stop disease that is pandemic level if prion disease jumps. These benefits extend beyond conflicts with hunters and farmers alike!

Notably, more people commented on wolf protection during its Federal Register period than any other period ever recorded, 5.3 million! Americans—both rural and urban alike—are mutualists who do not believe sport hunting should target this animal!

We implore you to take decisive action. Please issue an executive order reinstating Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections for wolves. These protections should last for ten years or until they can naturally recolonize their former ranges with corridors and connectivity. It is crucial that these protections exclude provisions preventing judicial review—safeguarding our democratic principles and rule of law.

Furthermore, 99% of Americans support the ESA because threats leading to extinction lack scientific grounding. The continued efforts by certain groups to hijack state and federal agencies only worsen this precarious situation for wild animals. Their influence increases threats, making it difficult for advocates to counter harmful policies.

Please act today by issuing an executive order. This will protect wolves for ten more years. Alternatively, it will last until wolves can naturally reclaim their former ranges with corridors and connectivity. Additionally, withdraw from litigation attempting to delist wolves without judicial review provisions. Many pushing for these actions seem driven by cruelty rather than conservation.

Your administration has made significant strides in conservation:

• Record investment in private lands conservation through the Inflation Reduction Act.
• Strengthening rules under the Endangered Species Act.
• Proposing new habitat protections within Canadian lynx recovery plans.

You have 30 days to decide; yet, wolves may only have three days—like during Wisconsin’s wolf hunt—to face tragedy again.

Wisconsin’s wolf hunt is a tragedy that we must prevent. This goes beyond the issue of wolves; it’s about safeguarding our natural world for future generations. Our children and grandchildren deserve the chance to experience the awe of hearing wolves howl in their natural habitat. They should not only know wolves as mounted trophies. As you’ve wisely stated, “We all have a responsibility to nature, but we also have a responsibility to one another.”

We urge you to exercise your leadership. Make sure that the wolf population, including Major and your grandchildren, receives the respect it deserves. Your legacy depends on the actions you take today.

Sincerely,

Great Lakes Wildlife Alliance of behalf of the howl,