B.C. government extends wolf cull despite nearly 60% oppositionThe extension of the aerial wolf reduction program, which impacts 12 of the province's 54 herds and is meant to help threatened caribou populations recover across the province, was confirmed to Glacier Media by a spokesperson for the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Thursday afternoon.
"The science indicates that reducing wolf densities in caribou areas is one of few short-term options that will effectively reduce declining caribou populations to prevent their extirpation," wrote the ministry spokesperson.
"Having already lost multiple herds in the Southern Group, these measures allow us to prevent further losses."
The extension of the wolf cull, which had been up for renewal in 2020, was delayed for two years at the province's request.
A 2019 report from the province found the culls "will have to take place until habitat restoration and protection overcome the legacy of habitat loss."
The province has put forward parallel plans in an attempt to bring back caribou habitat. Earlier this month, the Ministry of Forestry announced it helped fund 14 grants worth over $1.6 million to block predators from reaching caribou and transplant lichen — caribou's preferred food. The money will also be used to plant trees affected by human activity and wildfires.
Reaction from environmental groups was swift.
https://www.castanetkamloops.net/news/BC/358320/B-C-government-extends-wolf-cull-despite-nearly-60-oppositionAnd the inevitable related poll:
https://www.castanet.net/edition/news-story-358323-11-.htm#358323
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Topic: BC Extends Wolf Cull (Read 1938 times)