Palin dishonors Alaska with excessive 'predator control'

[spindrifter]

By WADE WILLIS

Published: December 11th, 2008 07:54 PM
Last Modified: December 11th, 2008 08:35 PM

Governor Sarah Palin's meteoric rise to the national political stage has put the spotlight on all things Alaska, including the terrible spectacle that the state's predator control programs have become.

On her watch, predator control has escalated beyond wildlife management. Her Board of Game has sanctioned the killing of wolf pups in their dens, the unlimited harvest of female bears and cubs, the liberalization of bear baiting regulations, the selling of bear skulls and hides for profit, and same-day airborne hunting of bears. The board authorized "predator control" calling for the eradication of all wolves in one area, which led to the shooting of 14 pups.

Today's "predator control" programs have only one management goal: maximizing moose and caribou by artificially increasing these populations to the edge of what the environment can support. This is a dangerous management objective that is not supported by scientific research.

Alaska's programs show little restraint or concern for the science of balancing predator and prey populations. If they did, they would have to address the multiple stressors on prey populations, ranging from the demands of the commercial guiding industry to global warming and habitat destruction.

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http://www.adn.com/opinion/compass/story/620219.html

[ShortnFiery]

1. Yes, if you can, please consider kicking in a few bucks to Defenders of Wildlife?

I always give to this charity but I added a little more yesterday ($50) because Palin is going apeshit with blood lust.

IMNSHO, Sarah Palin is an embarrassment to all that is noted as "good" of our feminine gender. :thumbsdown:

http://www.defenders.org/programs_and_policy/policy_and_legislation/aerial_hunting.php

[spindrifter]

2. Great suggestion.

I can't believe her ridiculous avoidance of science.