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THE WOLF - AN ENDANGERED SPECIES 
Whether or not the wolf will still exist forty or fifty years from now depends 
on the realization of this danger by his greatest enemy -- Man. 
The wolf is by far, one of the most adaptable, intelligent and interesting 
mamals of today and an animal which has been misunderstood, feared, maligned 
and persecuted for centuries. One of the reasons for this is the false con- 
cept that the wolf is dangerous to man. While it is true that he does compete 
with man for food, upon thorough investigation of the wild tales about wolves 
attacking people, it was found the stories were usually a product of a mag- 
nified and sensational imagination. 
Scientific research on Isle Royale and Algonquin Park has turned up proof 
positive that wolves prey very heavily upon old animals in winters and young 
ones in the summer. In other words, wolves remove only the weak or unfit 
animals from the area. 
The small scattering population that remains in the Superior National Forest 
of Minnesota, on Isle Royale, Alaska and Canada are in danger of being ex- 
terminated. The inhumane use of poisons, planes, guns and traps are taking 
their toll of this declining species. 
The story of the disappearance of the red wolf in the southern states is most 
heartbreaking. This species was found from Florida to Texas and north to 
Missouri. As late as 1964 an official report from U.S. Fish and Wildlife 
Service confirms this species still existed in Louisiana, Arkansas and Eastern 
Texas. However, today so little is known as to the actual existance of this 
species in the above territory, that an intensive ecological investigation 
is now required. 
There's one thing sure. As long as double standards are allowed to exist in 
the slaughter of the wolf and other endangered species -- the next generation 
or two will have to rely on pictures and text books for knowledge. The truth 
of the matter is -- it is really up to you to look to the future and stop 
this senseless slaughter now. For alas -- what seems to some as man's victory- 
progress-- upsetting the balance of nature-- is indeed his loss! Laws must 
be enforced and others strengthened, while mankind must be educated to the fact 
that though man dominates the earth, he should not possess TGs 
Katherine Fohrmann 
122 Sharon Dr., Sleepy Hollow 
Dundee, Ill. 60118 
Our Educational Division Vice-President, Peter Dring advises_-he has 
many fine books and booklets available for a price. From Roger Tory 
Peterson's volumes to bird maps. Each purchase helps our education 
drive. Drop him a not at Box 92, Willow Springs, Ill. and ask him 
for a book list. 


