This unhealthy wolf has been spotted at several locations in Hovland recently.
We have been having an ongoing problem with a mangy wolf (wolves) here in the Colvill and Hovland area the past few months. The local Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has been contacted numerous times by different people about sightings and up close and personal encounters. From what I understand one of these people who has had more than one close encounter with himself, his dogs and this wolf was told by the DNR that they are not planning on doing anything about the situation at this time. DNR, is this true? And if so, why?
I have seen trail cam footage of the wolf that has been in people’s yards in downtown Hovland. It looks pathetic. It has been seen at our local post office area along with walking, in plain sight during the day, through people’s yards here. One such incident was in a yard that is just across the road from a family who has small children playing outdoors. They also have livestock and a pet.
Wolves are meat-eating animals. We have had incidents throughout Cook County, including Hovland, when dogs have been taken by healthy wolves in plain sight and close to the pet owners. These healthy wolves have absolutely no fear of humans. When sick or injured, wolves will take down whatever is easiest to take down. They will do what needs to be done to survive.
Mange is a condition that is contagious and thus can spread to other wild animals, along with domestic livestock, pets and even humans. In their quest to “Save the Wolves” at any cost without the use of common sense there are those who may very well be putting a very painful and merciless demise to many wolves who will contract this condition. Just imagine going through one of our winters with not much fur.
Not to mention putting other animals, wild and domestic lives in danger. Maybe even their own pets.
My questions are: who is going to be held legally liable and accountable if/when someone gets injured by such a situation? Whatever happened to good old fashioned common horse sense?
Mary Jo Flack
Hovland
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