When hunters shoot the wolves, the shooters are elevated from the ground by means of either a helicopter or airplane. They can usually come in pretty close range of the wolves because they target them in open fields where it is easiest to shoot them. In the open fields the wolves have nowhere to run and therefore aren't able to protect themselves, giving humans yet another advantage over them.
Also, it is entirely possible that the shooters could miss the wolves and hit other wildlife around that area, depending on how densely populated the area is. After all, they do cover an area of up to 20,000 square miles. However, it has not been reported that the shooters have hit humans. Typically the pilots are at least somewhat experienced, as they have to obtain a license to shoot the wolves aerially. Also, though it seems this is a new technique of animal control, it has been around since about 1957 and was once a widespread method of extermination.
Here is a short documentary video on how aerial hunting is executed:
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
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2 comments:
No, I do not think the aerial shooting of wolves is humane in any way, shape, or form. It is evident that humans have a major advantage when killing the wolves. It may seem like the correct way to preserve the moose population however, no studies have been done that show that the wolves are the main predator of the moose. By killing the wolves, the food chain in Alaska will be disrupted resulting in the overpopulation of another species. Who knows, in 30 years we may be trying to devise a plan to preserve the wolf population as a result of the aerial shooting of wolves. Nature has a way of taking care of itself, and I believe it is very inhumane and cruel to target a certain species to exterminate.
The aerial shooting of wolves is inhumane. Shooting the wolves from above gives humans an unfair advantage. The government should find a different way to protect the moose population. Surely the moose are not single handedly dying because of the wolves. There is not enough evidence to prove the wolves are the direct cause of the decrease in moose populations. More research should be conducted. Additionally, laws should be passed prohibiting humans to kill moose if they are in fact becoming endangered in the area. Killing the wolves will do nothing if humans continue to do so. Shooting the wolves as a means of protection of a species will only hurt another. The food chain will be altered. Animals could potentially become overpopulated and die. Erin makes a good point by saying "nature has a way of taking care of itself." We humans are only spectators of a natural process.
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