Dear Governors

May 3, 2019

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon, Montana Gov. Steve Bullock, Idaho Gov. Brad Little

Dear Governors:

We write this letter to you today in order to request further lawful assistance in the protection of apex predators as they provide an essential function in maintaining a balanced, healthy ecosystem. In recent times, these apex predators have been treated poorly in response to human involvement. While we understand that humans want to feel rest assured that they are protected and out of harm’s way, we must also place animals under this same level of importance.

Your states hold domain over the nation’s first national park, Yellowstone, which was the home of the grey wolf until 1926, when they were completely eradicated as a means of predator control. The seventy years that followed resulted in a destructive cycle of increased elk herds, decreased brush and trees due to grazing, decreased beaver and songbird populations due to their habitats being grazed, and altered terrain due to the lack of beaver interference. The wolves were reintroduced in 1995 as part of efforts to restore the ecosystem, but twenty-four years have passed with portions of the park still adversely affected by the wolves absence.

Yellowstone is just one incident of many that have had negative effects on the delicate balance of our ecosystems, making this request relevant to anyone living near or having contact with these apex predators and other animals. According to a study that was responded to by Oregon State University, “[the study] found that the loss of major predators in forest ecosystems has allowed game animal populations to greatly increase, crippling the growth of young trees and reducing biodiversity. This also contributes to deforestation and results in less carbon sequestration, a potential concern with climate change.” An eradication of predators, like the wolf, can cause a domino effect that can be extremely damaging to an entire ecosystem. This was one of 42 studies that had been done over the last 50 years, all with the same result: predators have a major role in controlling the population of other animals within an ecosystem, thereby maintaining health and balance.

We are confident that apex predators and the citizens that reside in the areas around their natural habitats can coexist peacefully. However, this can only happen with involvement from higher powers, which are state officials such as yourselves. We ask that advocating for these animals’ lives begins immediately, because when we step back and look at the bigger picture, they do much less harm than good. The effects that apex predators have on our environment and ecosystem benefit us. As humans we must acknowledge the importance of this role by acting to preserve their lives and assure they will not be removed or harmed for our sake. Respect is the key to coexistence, and respect starts with the acknowledgement that apex predators have an irreplaceable role within our ecosystems and our lives.

Sincerely,

Dallie P., Alexandra P., Alyssa O., Efren S.