Wolves are predators
Dear Editor:
Many years ago my father-in-law told us of the problems and trials they had with wolves in this part of South Dakota until the wolves were all gone. Wolves were reintroduced into Yellowstone Park while we were living near yellowstone. We were living in Cody, WY just 52 miles east of Yellowstone and were dismayed when this happened.
The wolves were hard on the big game animals there. They increased rapidly and it wasn’t long before packs of wolves had found their way into livestock country around Yellowstone.
Wolves do not take only sick and diseased animals. They take anything they can, wild or domestic. They take animals we can safely eat.
Of all the big game animals the moose is the most vulnerable of all. The first time I saw a newborn baby moose try to get up and walk, I thought something was wrong with it, but that’s just they way they are. They are so weak and wobbly and awkward that wolves can easily kill them. Wolves have been known to seek out a pregnant moose and wait for the baby to be born. Sometimes the mother moose is too weak to even protect herself so she is eaten by the wolves, too, making less meat for us. Less wild game licenses are issued and sold. Less domestic meat for the world, too. I don’t know why some animals are weaker than others.
Recently the weather channel showed a Canadian island where the moose population was dwindling. They said global warming meant more fleas to weaken the moose. The wolf population was increasing in proportion to the moose, so they removed some wolves from the island. Let’s keep wolves out of here.
Luckily the moose in my brother’s recently published book for children was a strong one. I think probably a lonely bachelor that hadn’t made it to someone’s table yet.
I certainly hope the commissioners will pass the resolution to class wolves as predators.
Mary Jane Fiksdal,
Webster
Poppy Day is coming – support our veterans
Dear Editor:
American Legion auxiliary volunteers will distribute the familiar red, handcrafted poppies honoring America’s war dead on May 13-14 in Webster, designated as Poppy Day.
Each nine-piece poppy is made by veterans for veterans in Auxiliary-sponsored poppy shops that supplement physical and psychological therapy needed by hospitalized and disabled veterans. The veteran makes the poppy and is paid a small amount for each painstakingly-made flower. For some it is his or her only income.
By wearing a poppy, America says we remember all veterans, who have and are serving our country. It is a small way that each of us can show respect for our veterans.
The program began after shattered bodies and minds returned from France following World War I, an effort of veterans and their families to take care of their own and to remind the public of the debt owed to those who served and died. It has continued, honoring the war dead from WWI, WWII, korea, Vietnam, grenada/ lebanon, Panama, persian Gulf and Iraq, a tribute to all of America’s soldeirs.
We appreciate each and every contribution.
Esther Sandve, Chairman
Harriet Spaniol,
Co-chairman
