Wildlife advocates Randy Massaro and Dr. Robert Omelas

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed stripping Endangered Species Act protection from most wolves across America, indicating that protection is no longer warranted since gray wolf populations worldwide are stable. The Center for Biological Diversity claims the plan walks away from a 40-year commitment to gray wolves across the country. The Center works through science, law and creative media to secure a future for all species, great or small, hovering on the brink of extinction.

Under the plan, wolves in the Northeast, California, Pacific Northwest, Southern Rocky Mountains, and elsewhere would be left to be managed by state game agencies. These states would be free to allow hunting, trapping, even gassing of wolves within their borders. Still-recovering wolf populations could be decimated for sport and there would be no recourse under Secretary of Interior Sally Jewell’s proposal.

Before the Service finalizes this proposal, it's holding hearings across the country to get public input.

In Sacramento, CA, the recent Stand with Wolves effort featuring 2014 California Gubernatorial Candidate Dr. Robert Ornelas voiced their support of wildlife advocacy.

The Native people consider wolves sacred the same way others consider the Bible sacred. Tax payers are paying hundreds of millions of dollars to kill these animals. By saving the animals, tourism will grow and impact our economy. Tourism expenditures will increase while thousands of jobs will be generated.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service hosted a public hearing in Sacramento to collect information on the service's proposal to de-list the gray wolf in the contiguous United States.

"It was an honor to be in Sacramento supporting wildlife advocacy. I am a wildlife friendly candidate for Governor of California. We have worked with Native American Indian communities throughout North America and have learned a lot from their culture and beliefs. The Native people consider these animals sacred the same way we consider the bible sacred. Tax payers are paying hundreds of millions of dollars to kill these animals. By saving the animals, tourism will grow and impact our economy. Tourism expenditures will increase while thousands of jobs will be generated," stated Dr. Robert Ornelas.

The Service published a proposed rule on June 13, 2013, to delist the gray wolf. Hearings are part of the Service's continuing efforts to provide an open and comprehensive public process for the two wolf rules and gave members of the public a forum by which to register their views.

"Hunters, ranchers, poachers and trappers are wiping out these animals with our tax dollars. Asian and European meat markets are coming to the United States with big bucks and are destroying these sacred animals. We invited Dr. Robert Ornelas here to see what we are doing in relations to Native American, economic, moral and ethical causes," said wildlife advocate Randy Massaro.

Published January 4, 2014