Wolves were eradicated in the West some 75 years ago. Today, they are still considered a threat to livestock, even though since 1995, losses have been financially compensated at more than $450,000 by environmental groups and 1,517 wolves have been killed because they made a habit of feeding on livestock.

But in Idaho, wolves are despised as predators of elk, especially in the wilds of north-central Idaho where elk herds are apparently not as numerous as elk hunters. As a result, Idaho Fish and Game, the state agency that is funded by hunting and fishing license revenues, is going to begin government trapping in the Lolo Zone of the Clearwater River and also do aerial gunning of 50-60 wolves by helicopter to slash the wolf population in that area. This is in addition to the 154 wolves statewide that have already been killed by hunters and trappers since August. (The season is open for six more months, including when pups emerge from their dens in spring so more blood will be spilled in IDFG's control plan.)

Why do we engage in such barbaric acts in the ecologically enlightened 21st century? It's because of politics and an agency that cow-tows to its constituency. It's time to change the way wildlife is managed in Idaho and a good place to start is to fund the IDFG with taxpayer dollars so all Idaho citizens have a voice, not just those who kill.

JANE FRITZ

Sandpoint