Bison Slaughter Escalates

In the last 2 weeks, 290 more Yellowstone buffalo have been sentenced to death for nothing. Every few days, more and more are rounded up.


The words of the Buffalo Field Campaign shot me through the heart:

Along the north boundary, near Gardiner, Yellowstone National Park has captured and sent to slaughter 290 of America's last wild buffalo. It is so hard to imagine the stress and horror these buffalo go through as they are captured and separated from their families by age and sex. Frightened, they run around in a panic, goring each other as they try to find a way out of this thoughtless prison. The sacred buffalo, being loaded onto livestock trailers and hauled to the dark nightmare of the slaughter house, to be processed and cut to pieces. How dare Yellowstone National Park condemn the buffalo under their care to such a fate.

Excuse me while I rant. What the hell kind of "management" is this that has been allowed to continue for years unchecked?! The buffalo are not even tested for brucellosis. If they were, I'm positive the majority of them would not have the disease. Why are the elk with it not sent to slaughter or even considered to be a threat? The "managers" and ranching interests backing this sick practice are completely braisen, even to the point of being morally bankrupt. I'm sure Natives weep for the loss of the bison. So do I. I believe God is saddened also-we are not taking proper care of His creations.

The vision I see of the future for America's western wildlife is not good, in fact our precious animals are in a dire situation-wolves, bison, bears, cougars,... Every year I watch as the sad tale unfolds. The states with the largest areas of prime wildlife habitat and fewer people kill more wildlife than anywhere else in the nation. There is no tolerance, no pride for what wildlife we have out here, no real conservation practice (most times the word "management" is used out here, maybe because they know it is not "conservation"). I have acquired friends from many states across the U. S. and none of them can believe what we are doing to our wildlife out here in the great West. One gal from New York of all places put it this way the other day, "They kill animals out here, that's what they do." She's right. It's a gun toting, animal shooting funhouse where selfishness dictates. I'm tired of knowing bison are dying daily for the whims of a few with more money, therefore more political clout. Corrupt-no way, right?! I would like to read a pleasant story in any paper out here once in awhile about a living animal of any kind. Guess I'll have to start my own paper for that.

I feel helpless in situations like these. All I can think of is to tell others to boycott American bison (meat, hides, etc.) in the marketplace until current bison management practices stop. When money talks, "management" listens.

Photo: 3 of Yellowstone's last remaining bison (very well could be dead now).

Oh, To Be Free Flying

Currently, I have heard much sad news about animals. We have cattle being tortured to make them stand up so they can be "fit for slaughter" for human consumption. It is downright animal cruelty. I'm sure you've seen the disturbing footage on the news over the past couple of weeks. We have polar bears drowning in ever-expanding Arctic waters. Gorillas and elephants are being massacred. Moose in the Rockies are roaming into expanding urban areas in search of food and then being trapped and hauled off to God know's where. We have people anxiously awaiting the upcoming grey wolf massacre. And hundreds of bison are being shipped off to their death, even newborn calves, in the name of retaining "brucellosis-free status" for cattle herds-only problem is the bison being shipped to slaughter are not even tested for the disease.


In light of all of this, I have been thinking about what it would be like to be a wild bird flying free. As a bird, I may have a better chance to escape death by human since humans are mostly concerned with larger, predator type animals. And what a better bird to be than a raven out in the mountains. Humans are more apt to capture or kill fancier birds with nice plumage or more meat. Ravens have always fascinated me. They are quite intelligent birds. They can use tools, reason, and have moods and personalities. They have inquisitive minds and a special relationship with wolves. Just imagine what they see out there!

On a fall trip to Yellowstone last season, we stopped at a picnic area to get lunch. Ravens are always hanging around that picnic spot every time I've been there. Probably the same birds. This time we were sitting at the table when 2 ravens slowly moved in closer and closer to us, hopping along the ground, over boulders, and through trees. One was far more reserved than the other and would come no closer after a certain distance. The other one was quite a character. This bird was testing us to see if we would give it handouts or drop crumbs. It would circle the table by walking on the ground and then slowly move in to the benches until we would move a little. Then it would scoot back a bit and do it over again for the good hour we were there. In the meantime, of course, I am talking to this raven and I can plainly see that it's listening to me by the way it's looking me in the eye and tilting its head and "talking" back when I am through with my statements. I don't claim to know what it said but I do know we were communicating. This is the friendliest raven I have ever come across. It became so brave as to sit on the bench at the table. Keep in mind that the picnic area was full with other tourists eating lunch, but none got to be part of this special experience.

After eating lunch and making sure to leave no crumbs of human slop around for the ravens (and even cleaned up others' slop off the ground), we took off walking to the restroom. We came out and guess who was hopping over the ground to us? The 2 ravens, with the shy one farther back. After the car was loaded up, we drove over to dump the trash and the ravens were still following after us until they caught up to us. I told my "friend" we had to get going but we'll be back after winter is over for another visit.

A terrific book to read on ravens is: Mind of the Raven by Bernd Heindrich. He has spent a lifetime studing these fabulous birds. In fact he has also contributed to PBS's Nature program "Ravens" . I have not seen this yet but I'm sure it's good. And as always, don't pass up a chance to watch or interact with these birds.


Photos: The raven on rock is my "friend" at the picnic area. The other one I don't know-it was catching bugs in a thermal area.

Buffalo Roundup In Progress, Again

The current buffalo hunting season that is now underway has left 102 buffalo dead so far. Another 50 unfortunate buffalo have been herded into the Stephen's Creek pen awaiting shipment to the slaughter house or some particular research facility, I forget where. The unlucky bison herd (sarcastic voice now) blatantly ignored the rules given to them for staying within Yellowstone Park boundaries. The herd crossed over the Park boundary one time too many this year. The herd spitefully wandered out of bounds to graze and survive the winter even though the obvious boundary is clearly posted with warnings in buffalo language. The herd must promplty be dealt with. In addition, the spring 2008 summer season is soon approaching for the Park and buffalo meat is needed to stock the cafeterias.

It just weighs my heart down every time I read about buffalo. I haven't heard a positive thing about these wonderful animals in years around these parts. Well, I love them. They are nice animals except when pestered by goofy, camera-wielding tourists that attempt to invade their personal space. Yes, they may even charge for no apparent reason but they are still fine animals. Some fools even try to pet them like an ordinary house pet. Who wouldn't have their hide ruffled at that?

Please help these and other imperiled bison:

Buffalo Field Campaign

Photo: NPS Archives. A previous roundup. Jim Peaco 2003.

ACK!!!!!!!!

I tried switching to a new template from an outside source. Didn't like it so I downloaded my old one back on. As you can see my entire left column has been destroyed in the process!!! All my links and pictures gone!!! What is worse is that what is showing up on the site is not what is on the layout page!!! Sorry for the crappy look right now, but in time I will have it restored. A huge apology to those whose links have vanished (at least for now I'm hoping).

If you plan on creating a new template, I suggest playing around with it on a new blog. Then if you don't like it you can get rid of it without this type of disaster occuring.

In spite of this trajedy, please scroll down and read my previous post. Some grizzlies need help urgently.

Cabinet-Yaak Grizzlies Need Your Help

Once again grizzly bears need your urgent help so please don't delay! This time it is the bears of the Cabinet-Yaak area. Seems like since the Yellowstone grizzlies were delisted last spring, people are just itching to get all bears off the list (Endangered Species List).

Photo: NPS archives


Natural Resources Defense Council states:

"Grizzly bears in the Cabinet Yaak ecosystem, which are hovering at dangerously low numbers, are of particular concern. Without endangered species protection, the last remaining 30-40 bears could go extinct. At a December meeting, state wildlife officials passed a draftresolution requesting that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Servicecomplete a study of the northern Montana grizzly populations bythe end of 2008. It appears that state officials are demanding an expedited studywith the hope that small, isolated bear populations will be put together and evaluated as a single group. If that is indeed the case, overall population numbers might appear robust enough to warrant the removal of federal protection. But according to wildlife biologists, stripping these bears of protection now would drive them back to the brink of extinction."

Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks is the place to send comments and/or calls to. Or use this handy link to sign the letter designed by NRDC:

Cabinet-Yaak Grizzly Delisting Petition

Where is the Cabinet-Yaak area?


Map: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Geese Butchered & Left In Parking Lot

A couple weeks ago several white geese were found strewn about a local business parking lot. Goose hunting season had ended before this. These poor beautiful geese had the breast meat cut off of them. The rest of their bodies were shamefully discarded around the lot. Wildlife officials had been called in to investigate the incident and the business owner had "no comment." He was also instructing people to pick up the bodies and stuff them into trash bags and toss them into the dumpster-this was after knowing that the scene was supposed to be left intact until the wildlife officials could investigate the crime scene. Sounds fishy on his part. So far, I haven't heard any new information on this.

The crime against these geese was as sickening to me as this past year's antelope poaching crime. Also, last summer in Pennsylvania was perhaps an even grosser, twisted scene when a mom dog and all her puppies were found lying by a creek-all had been skinned. I'm grateful that I do not have sick thoughts against animals such as the ones some obviously troubled individuals turn into reality. My heart goes out to all the animal victims of these horrendous crimes.

Photo: freenaturephotos.com

NOW FOR SOMETHING ENJOYABLE


Livingsword has passed on another humbling award to me. What can I say? God and nature go hand in hand. God created it all and without Him I would have no animals or great places to enjoy.

I would like to pass this on to Victorya. Truly an inspiring person! Her beauty shines through in her words. She is also a person gifted with strong animal bonding, especially to her beloved Penny.

Tragic Accident Kills 19 Alaskan Eagles

19 eagles are dead after gorging themselves in a truck full of fish waste. The eagles became to sioled to fly off after picking through the slimy mess. Surviving eagles were cleaned up with soap and water. Apparently, somebody forgot to cover up the top of the truck, which is normal procedure.

Click here to learn more about this incident.

My heart goes out to these eagles. Here they were flying around in search of food when they happened to stumble upon the motherload of fish guts. They excitedly flew in to feast with other eagles. Then terror struck as some of them struggled to fly away with a content belly but could not. Other eagles watched their kin slowly die in that truck of horrors. What a sad, sad accident.

The eagles in the photo are the pair at the local zoo, taken last summer.

2008: Year Of The Wolf?

Some good and bad happening in the wolf realm. The good part is so excitingly fun that I will mention the bad news first.

Still seems to me, and many others, that Wyoming is hell bent on making sure the wolf population gets back down to the minimum allowable limit. The state's "new" wolf plans still wreak of hatred. Sad to say that the Feds have now endorsed the state's plan.

Billings Gazette: Draft regulations proposed by the Wyoming Department of Game and Fish would allow ranchers to kill gray wolves that prey on livestock, while wildlife managers could kill wolves that try to take elk on state feed grounds.

The proposed regulations would apply only to the northwest corner of the state, where wolves would be considered trophy game animals under the state's management plan. In the rest of the state, wolves would be classified as predators that could be shot on sight.

(Note: I only copied the dumbest part of the plan. For clarity, the "northwestern corner" refers basically to the area right around Yellowstone's boundaries.) I had no doubt in my mind that wolves would be delisted but this state's crappy management plan should not be endorsed. The most assine part is that wolves can be killed for eating elk on state land! Let's see... they can't eat sheep, cattle or elk, and the only buffalo are trapped within Yellowstone Park. What the heck are they supposed to survive on? Maybe they can learn to graze like cattle or stop by the grocery store for a steak. Clearly, the state of Wyoming will not be happy until another wolf massacre happens. The required "public input" soon to come to really doesn't affect matters much once Feds have their minds made up. Shame on us once again.

Another sad story to report: A coyote in the Old Faithful area was put to death right before Christmas. It had nipped 2 people within about 20 minutes and it was taken to an area "where it could be safely shot with a handgun." The people are fine. The coyote tested negative for rabies. It probably was fed up with humans and finally fought back. Who knows what the animal was thinking. Anyway, my thoughts are with the coyote.

Don't sound like a good start to a new year for wild canids.

Now Time For A Little Wolf Fun:

Ever get a little bored of being a human? Why not become a Yellowstone wolf for a while! The Minnesota Zoo came up with a game in 2007 titled Wolf Quest where players can do just that. It is available for FREE download. It was intended for young guys 10-15 years old or so but any wolf lover will enjoy it-trust me. You can play by yourself or you can go online and be part of a pack. As you can imagine, this game is highly recommended by Wildlife Alive!

Wolf Quest: Amythest Mountain

Oh yeah, I also recommend taking a "sick" day off of work just to play it and then watch PBS wolf documentaries while snuggled up wearing wolfie pajamas and covered up in a cozy wolf-scened throw (unless you live in a hot part of the world). Then after you're inspired, write or call Wyoming and U.S. Wildlife officials to oppose Wyoming's horrendous wolf plans.

Christmas In Yellowstone

Photo: An elk grazing right outside Mammoth's Visitor Center last winter.

What's my favorite place like at Christmas time? I can't tell you first hand yet (since I stay with family at this time) but I have some information that will help paint a beautiful picture.

From Casper, Wyoming's Star Tribune:

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK -- Candlelight services at the park's Mammoth Hot Springs Chapel are scheduled twice on Christmas Eve, but worshippers who've been there before know the passing elk and bison sometimes delay the services a bit. The 100-year-old chapel in the country's first national park stands to receive about 600 people Monday evening. "We're in the crown jewels of God's creation," said the Rev. Bill Young, resident minister for the past 25 years. "So we have a very, very special place to celebrate." Typically, many of the worshippers on Christmas Eve are among Mammoth's 300 or so year-round residents. Others travel from the communities of Gardiner and Livingston in Montana, or from Cody, a Wyoming gateway to Yellowstone. Tourists attend the services, as well. All lights in the chapel are turned out and each person receives a candle. All the candles are lit from a single flame, intended to symbolize that Jesus Christ is the light of the world. In its early years, the chapel built in 1913 drew some of the U.S. military personnel that oversaw Yellowstone soon after it was designated a park.

The following is a short excerpt from Nature's Christmas in Yellowstone by Tom Murphy. I have seen it a hundred times or so and never tire of it. It is often of PBS so I recommend it. Don't expect flashy holiday decor and music. Just sit back and enjoy the serenity of a place few people travel to in winter. Tom Murphy has quite a job!

Christmas For The Critters

With all the recent reporting on sad animals stories (the South Korean oil spill, the sickening gorilla slaughter, and killing of elephants for human coffe consumption) it is now time for something good.


Photo: www.bigskymontananet.com

The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, Montana is now in the midst of "Christmas for the Critters." The public is invited to donate treats for the wolves and bears. It was reported that all the animals "have been very good this year" and are deserving of special Christmas treats. This is an annual event at the center.

From the newspaper: The Christmas list for the bears include jars of peanut butter, jam, honey, corn oil, and unsalted nuts. The wolves would enjoy hamburger, spices, extracts, and perfumes in their stockings. To ensure the safety of the animals pleases bring only unopened items. 'They've been good for goodness sake!'

(The wolves don't eat the spices and perfumes, they are aroused like a cat on catnip by various scents.) So if anyone is in the area, please take a Christmas treat to these animals. I guess shipping treats would be fine, too. I planned on going but my car is out of commission:( I believe the treats are accepted up until Christmas Day. The Center is even open that day.

Here's a bit about the center:
Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center


Photo: JeffThomson.org

Winter Wonderland

Ahhhhhh! Winter is here. Put on some warm clothing and head out to explore!

The photo is Yellowstone's Mammoth Terraces. Last year I believe.

Idaho Fish Pollution Control

The state of Idaho, the nation's largest producer of rainbow trout, has come up with a plan to reduce waterway pollution from farmed fishes. Much of the water pollution is caused by increased phosphorus levels coming from fish "emissions" at the farms. The plan is similar to the nation's current air pollution permitting process. Fish producers will be given permits based on operation size. Just like air permits, these water permits will be transferrable. Basically, there is one overall standard for phosporus levels but specific fish growers may still be able to pollute above the standard because of the tranfers. I'm just glad there is finally a maximum allowable level. It is a start.

EPA Targets Fish Farms With Permits

Photo: Rainbow trout from NPS archives

Thanksgiving Day Is Here

Be thankful for all the world's animals.


Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day here in the United States. Millions of turkeys will be the main dish for feasts across the nation. I don't advocate eating turkeys one bit but I do encourage learning about them, especially Heritage turkeys (those that are native to the U. S.). I watched a story about the following turkey ranch and found it very interesting. There's lots of information about these beautiful birds and what makes them Hertiage breeds. There's even a turkey film and webcam.

Good Shepherd Turkey Ranch

Give the turkeys a break this year, eat something else-preferably no meat.

(photo: http://www.slowfoodusa.org/ark/narragansett.html)

San Franscisco Bay Wildlife In Danger

Yet another tanker spill has leaked toxic substances into our oceans:

Spill closes bay beaches as oil spreads, kills wildlife


(Photo: CBS News)

Response to this incident at the time of occurance was reported to be "slower than usual." Can't say I am surprised. Anyway, more sea creatures are being harmed and killed, as are birds and other animals on the beaches of this area.

It would be nice to have enough money to be able to travel to places like this in times when volunteers are needed to help clean up the wildlife. Much thanks to those that can help.

On The Bear Front

Another hunter was mauled by a grizzly last week. "They" are saying that bears are more aggressive this year than years past. My thoughts are still on worrying about the plight of these bears after their recent delisting. The bears are not acting any more agressively than they have before; they are just being encountered more frequently as habitat dwindles. Of course a bear will react to danger.

Now Ponder This:

Last week I was lucky enough to listen to a vegetarian, actually a vegan, speaker defend the practice through the Bible! The argument is very compelling and puts a twist in our current ways of thinking. Now, don't ask me to repeat the arguements because I am not good at that type of thing and not as well versed as I would like to be in Bible verses. However, I will find out if there are published works from this professional. If so, I will pass that information along.

Don't Be A Grinch!

This is something near and dear to me that is not about wildlife. I contibute a box to this project every year. Operation Christmas Child (through Samaritan's Purse) delivers shoe boxes filled with Christmas surprises to boys and girls in poverty stricken nations. The shoe boxes or same size plastic containers can be wrapped, lid seperately, in holiday paper. You can also pick gifts for a child of a particular age, just write a note on the box. I'm not sure how countries other than the U. S. get them all together but here certain churches are the drop-off point. The boxes are collected this year from November 12-19. Or the boxes can be sent to:

Samaritan's Purse International Relief (click for website)
P. O. Box 3000
Boone, NC 28607
Phone: 1-800-665-2483

So, all of you people out there that can spare a few dollars this holiday season, please stuff a box full of goodies for a great kid and get it sent out soon! God bless.

Just Slithering Around & Awards

This snake (probably a Western Terrestrial Garter Snake) has made a home in a pile of leaves under my bicycle. One day, it was resting on the patio and I didn't see it and nearly crushed it as I walked by. What a relief when I didn't. You probably never saw someone so excited to discover a snake living on their patio! Well, that's all I've been up to lately-slithering around in my busy world.


Sad to say there is hunting news I was going to report on but I have been so busy I forgot what the news was.

And now, on to the awards...

I have been tagged with 2 more neat and interesting awards through Livingsword. Both awards are to be passed on to notable other bloggers.


I will pass the above award on to the following bloggers:
Victorya
Waitress4Life
Louise

This second award I may be unable to accept. Lately, I have been quite preoccupied with the daily grind and have had little chance to connect with others the way I once used to. I do miss everyone and hope all is well.


I pass this one along to:
Louise
Amel

A while ago my post "And The Heavens Cried" was tagged for excellence by Livingsword. I am humbled and surprised by the award for this post. I do think it clearly shows my feelings about wildlife. It is me; it shows rawly the stuff I think about every day and feel deep within my soul.

I would like to pass this awesome award on the the following:

Victorya (Certainly a talented writer! Check out her other posts so see her amazing way with words.)
Angela May (Angela is very creative. This post made me laugh soooo hard and brightened may day.)
Skyblu (Always great thoughts well written about my favorite place. This is not saying that I hold or do not hold the same opinions, I just enjoy this blog and it makes me think.)

Calming Canines

Watching big animals such as bears, bison, and wolves is always a treat. Sometimes we forget about taking the time to enjoy smaller, less "glamorous" animals such as coyotes. Watching theses coyotes was calming experience that particular sunny autumn day. The coyote above was pouncing about in the field looking for a snack. The coyote below was contently walking down the middle of the road until too many cars piled up. Then it went up a steep, rocky hill wher it waited for the traffic to disperse.


These are Yellowstone coyotes (big surprise?). I also had the priviledge of seeing 2 wolves from the Oxbow Pack. They are looking a bit fluffy and ready for the colder weather. Wolves are my favorite, but for some reason that day, the coyotes had my heart. They were just a pleasure to watch and think about.

Sure would be great to have telepathy to communicate with animals. Maybe Dr. Spock can help me.

More coyote information:
Desert USA's Coyote Page

More Grizzly-Hunter Encounters

Today's newspaper had "Grizzly bear mauls hunter" in huge type slapped across the top of a page-AGAIN! 2 different incidents were reported. Both parties were sneaking around bow-hunting for elk, both came across grizzly sows with cubs, both were in the Greater Yellowstone area like the below mentioned bears were.

Plenty of other places they can hunt elk with less chance of being attacked by bears. But then again, it is easier for hunters to go right outside the Park where they know the most elk are so they don't have to spend too much time outside weathering the elements in a real hunt. Like catching fish in a barrel. Why not outlaw hunting in areas with the greatest chance of bear encounters for the safely of all? Too much common sense I guess. When is enough really enough?

As I have stated before, I fear that this negative publicity will lead to a premature hunting season on the recently de-listed Yellowstone grizzlies.

And The Heavens Cried

Bad news today. A while ago, I mentioned a grizzly mom and her cubs that ended up missing after a very unpleasant encounter with a hunter near Gardiner, Montana. Finally, the bears have been located. The mother is dead. Her jaw was shot off by the hunter. The 2 orphaned cubs were still roaming around near their dead mother.


First, I thought what a terrible story for both the man and the bears. Later I thought,"Have I gone soft on my anti-hunting views or what? Wake up!"

This hunter was out sneaking around the woods in bear country. Out to kill unsuspecting black bears when he rudely disturbed the grizzly family preparing for winter. Every hunter that I have ever "talked" to about black bear hunting said they do it for fun and sport, not for meat because it is not a good tasting meat at all. He is lucky to be alive. Perhaps he will even brag it up to his hunting buddies about killing the griz mom. "In self defense" my a**. The guy was somewhere he shouldn't be in the first place for no reason other than "sporting fun". The bear tried her best to protect her family from this hunter. She did not try to stalk and intentionally kill him like he was doing to black bears.

So, the sneaking hunter with death on his mind gets mauled in defense. The hunter shoots the bear. The man goes to the hospital and gets patched up, gets to live on a diet of painkillers as he heals up. Warm and comfy in his bed. People feel sorry for him. The attention gives a negative, more fearsome image to bears everywhere. The bear wanders off. Shot and in great pain. Can't eat with a shot off jaw. She must have been starving to death. Can't help her cubs get food either. They are probably a lot hungrier than when mom was doing well. The trail of blood from the bear probably arouses other hungry animals waiting for a chance to get the weakened bear or her cubs, or both. The mom bear finally dies-starving and in pain, knowing her cubs are suffering. A few people like myself mourn the bear's loss and worry about the cubs. The stupidity of sport hunting is truly sickening. I think God cried.

Now the 2 orphaned cubs are left alone in a harsh world with no protection. Bigger grizzlies are awfully hungry this time if year. Will the cubs find a den and enough food for winter? Not to mention the mental stress on the cubs. Animals do feel grief; many documented incidents show this (not that I need to read them to know that but for the skeptics...). I do believe they are cubs-of-the-year (meaning born this year). Say a prayer for this prematurely broken grizzly family.

Good-bye mamma bear; see you on the other side one day.

(Photo: NPS archives 1966, not the newly orphaned cubs)

Great Wolf News!!!

The NRDC's wolf commerial is currently on the air! It will remain on CNN for another week. Thanks to wolf supporters everywhere that sent in to fund this commercial. Also, thanks to those that didn't send money, but support wolves however they are able to. I jumped for joy when I heard this. I whooped and hollered too! Party time is here. Finally, we get our side heard nationally & internationally at this crucial time.

Will it help? I don't know. Money always talks loudest it seems. But I am celebrating the fact that the wolf issue finally gets mass coverage! Media coverage on any environmental issue is critical, in my opinion.