This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Department of Natural Resources Director Michael Styler reportedly told a legislative committee that the return of the wolves is devastating the wildlife population and the livestock population. "The goal of our anti-grazing, anti-hunting friends," he said, "is to end grazing and to end hunting, and they have got the perfect biological weapon and that weapon is wolves" ("Natural Resources director compares wolf to 'T. rex,'" Tribune, Feb. 9).
This incredible set of assertions implies that persons or groups favoring or promoting wolf recovery are attempting thereby to bring an end to hunting and livestock grazing, and that wolf recovery will accomplish that end.
It would be honorable of Styler if he did one of the following: (a) publicly clarify that his assertions were merely expressions of his personal belief, (b) produce credible proof of the truth of his assertions with citations to published peer-reviewed science and statements made by at least a few wolf advocates concerning their motives, or (c) admit that his assertions are baseless and apologize for them.
Kirk Robinson Executive director
Western Wildlife Conservancy
Salt Lake City