A LOT.
* Before you continue, please note that this page contains content that may upset some people (violence, blood, language, animal abuse, etc.)*
I don't think people quite understand how much people really hate wolves, and how much of a problem this issue is for both wolf and ecosystem conservation. Much of this hatred is born out of tradition, lack of education (Idaho, for example, is number 49 for education in America), and inability to change one's perspective. Some of the discontent, perhaps, is justified- for example, if a pack of wolves killed someone's dog (it should be noted, however, that it's unwise to let your dogs stay outside in predator-dense areas). But most of the hatred is blinded, irreversible, and tragic for the wolves and other predators that are struggling to coexist with humans.
Here are some examples of wolf hatred I've come across on social media. It's just the tip of the iceberg. If you'd like to see some truly horrible, offensive, or just plain stupid commentary I've heard in conversations about wolves, click here. All photos belong to their original owners, please contact me for credit or removal. Please be warned that many of these photos/images are graphic and/or contain profane language. Thanks to @save_our_wolve on Instagram for providing a lot of these finds.
I don't think people quite understand how much people really hate wolves, and how much of a problem this issue is for both wolf and ecosystem conservation. Much of this hatred is born out of tradition, lack of education (Idaho, for example, is number 49 for education in America), and inability to change one's perspective. Some of the discontent, perhaps, is justified- for example, if a pack of wolves killed someone's dog (it should be noted, however, that it's unwise to let your dogs stay outside in predator-dense areas). But most of the hatred is blinded, irreversible, and tragic for the wolves and other predators that are struggling to coexist with humans.
Here are some examples of wolf hatred I've come across on social media. It's just the tip of the iceberg. If you'd like to see some truly horrible, offensive, or just plain stupid commentary I've heard in conversations about wolves, click here. All photos belong to their original owners, please contact me for credit or removal. Please be warned that many of these photos/images are graphic and/or contain profane language. Thanks to @save_our_wolve on Instagram for providing a lot of these finds.
WHAT CAN I DO?
In order to combat wolf hatred- or animal hatred in general- the best strategy is to keep calm, factual, and not aggressive. This isn't easy to do, especially when people hurl insults at you or are horrifically violent toward animals. Trust me, I am not an angel in this department, and I've lost my temper more than a few times. But in the end, what wins is facts, education, reason, and understanding. Some people have lost livestock or pets from wolves or other predators. Understandably so, this can harbor hatred and a refusal to change one's perspective. By keeping calm and trying to see both sides, you can effectively engage with people who don't always agree with you. Carnivore conservation takes teamwork from everyone involved.
Remember that you will not be able to change some people's minds. In fact, you won't even be able to change most people's minds. But when you do, the twenty other people who were abusive or horrible to you or the animals are completely worth it. Below is a message I received from a former wolf hunter.
Remember that you will not be able to change some people's minds. In fact, you won't even be able to change most people's minds. But when you do, the twenty other people who were abusive or horrible to you or the animals are completely worth it. Below is a message I received from a former wolf hunter.
There is hope. There is always hope.