Bring Wolves Back to Washington State

FROM Defenders of Wildlife

Tell Washington State's Governor Chris Gregoire to bring wolves back to Washington State. As wolves are beginning to return to Washington, state officials are considering how to best manage them.

Photo by Jim Robertson, Animals in the Wild

CONTACT

Sign an online petition

And/Or make direct contact:

Governor Chris Gregoire
Office of the Governor
PO Box 40002
Olympia, WA 98504-0002
phone (360) 902-4111
fax (360) 753-4110

INFORMATION / TALKING POINTS

Dear Governor Chris Gregoire,

I strongly support efforts to fully restore wolves to Washington State.

It is heartbreaking that the Emerald State has been deprived of wolves since the extensive wolf extermination campaigns of the late 1800s eliminated these magnificent animals from Washington, and I was very happy to learn that two packs have made their way back to eastern Washington.

These packs -- and the wolves that may someday follow -- represent a golden opportunity for Washington leaders like you to fully restore wolves to their rightful place in the beautiful wild spaces of Washington, including the coastal range.

Historically, wolves have not only played an important role in balancing ecosystems in Washington. They also figure prominently in Washington's rich cultural heritage, particularly in the creation stories of the Quileute Native American tribe of coastal Washington.

As the state considers the fate of wolves in Washington, I strongly urge you to recognize the important value -- and potential tourism dollars from wolf enthusiasts like me -- that wolf restoration efforts could bring to the state of Washington. Thank you for considering my comments.

Tragically, the extensive wolf extermination campaigns of the late 1800s eliminated these animals from the Pacific Northwest landscape -- tearing a gaping hole in the natural balance and cultural tapestry that makes Washington so special. Now wolves are beginning to return to Washington, and state officials are considering how to best manage them.

Thank you for everything you do for animals!