Elk dying (OT)

[Fin-S-Fish]

Even though I'm not a hunter, I know enough about ecology and animals to be relatively sure the wolves are to blame. I read a recent paper by wildlife biologists that are trying to study the impact of wolves on cougars in Yellowstone. Apparently, instead of hunting for themselves, wolves are waiting for the cougars to kill the deer and when this happens the wolves move in to eat the fresh deer and often the cougar as well. So many cougars are being killed that they are tagging the cougars with neck collars to track them. The biologists are constantly dissappointed to find their radio collars on dead cougar remains left by the wolf packs. Just think how vicious those wolves really are....preying on cougars. No, I don't want them wolves in Utah or anywhere near where I am. If they get hungry enough I'm sure they'll eat me too and I don't want to have to carry a rifle for self defense everytime I go fishing or hiking in the wilderness. Did any of you hear about how that cougar in California chowed down on two people before anyone even knew what was going on. The lady that escaped was pounced upon while riding a bike! If a bike can't even outrace these predators, being on foot in the wilderness means little chance of escape should they be starving enough to attack. Oh sure, they're normally afraid of humans. But I don't want to be that rare exception to the rule. Oh yes, this is sounding decidedly selfish and anthropocentric, the environmentalists would argue, but hey, I value my own life and safety above other living things. Non-dangerous endangered species? Yes, do all we can to protect them. Wolves, leave them in Alaska. Sorry to those who disagree, just my opinion on this topic.
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