[george76]

Michael Robinson of the Center for Biological Diversity wins another one.

[dayglored]

Your excerpt left this out, which I found interesting:

Today, there are about 50 wolves in Arizona and New Mexico

Seems to me like that is worth noting. Those are huge states, and 50 doesn't sound like many are left, not enough to keep a population genetically healthy. Assuming, of course, you value having a healthy population of wolves -- not all do.

Conversely, if the argument is that the wolves are less important to the world than the livestock, why not argue for complete eradication and let the enviros scream bloody murder all they want.

Halfway measures are only aggravating to all concerned.

Disclaimer: I live in Upstate NY, don't have a dog in this fight, and am not aware of the subtleties of the arguments ;-)

[your local physicist]

Why do we need the Mexican gray wolf sub-species? This is another example of environmentalists putting animals above people. Wolf packs are dangerous and people in Arizona and New Mexico are not expecting wolves to be in that area. This policy puts hikers and people who live in remote areas at risk of fatal wolf attacks. The ranchers should just shoot the wolves if they cause trouble.