British Columbia Premier John Horgan has made a controversial decision. The wolf culling program will be extended for another five years. Since 2015, an estimated 1,500 wolves have already been killed in the province.
Why the Cull?
The measure is justified as a way to protect 12 threatened caribou herds in the region. According to the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, the goal is to safeguard two herds in particular: one in the South Selkirk Mountains and another in South Peace.
The South Selkirk herd has shown a steep decline. In 2009, 46 individuals were counted. By 2014, the number had fallen to only 18. However, the ministry has not released updated figures for 2022, leaving the current status of the herd unclear.
South Peace Caribou
In the case of the South Peace herd, wolf predation is considered the main threat. The ministry reports that 37% of adult caribou deaths are linked to wolves. As a result, the government argues that the killing of wolves is necessary to protect the population.
If the plan is carried out, as many as 200 wolves could be killed. The method will involve aerial shooting from helicopters. To make the operation easier, wolves are targeted in winter, when snow slows their movement and leaves them vulnerable.
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Criticism from Conservationists
Not everyone agrees with the government’s approach. Ian McAllister, a conservation advisor for Pacific Wild, told Prince George News that “rather than scapegoating the wolves, the provincial government should take more effective steps to protect intact primary forests for the endangered caribou.” He also warned that fossil fuel extraction continues to degrade habitats, worsening the crisis.
Lessons from Yellowstone
The government’s rationale is simple: fewer predators should mean more prey. However, history shows otherwise. In the early 20th century, ranchers eradicated wolves from Yellowstone National Park. The result was ecological collapse.
Without wolves, herbivores overpopulated. This caused massive damage to plants, soil, and river systems. The only way Yellowstone recovered was by reintroducing wolves from Canada in the 1990s. This restored balance to the ecosystem and revitalized biodiversity.
At the same time, British Columbia and the federal government have launched recovery plans for caribou. In early 2022, the Ministry of Forestry announced $1.6 million in funding for conservation actions. These include:
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Transplanting lichens, the caribou’s preferred food.
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Creating enclosures to protect herds from predators.
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Replanting areas damaged by fires and human activity.
A Troubling Paradox
While these measures are being implemented, helicopters are also preparing for wolf culls. Scientists argue that habitat protection is more effective than predator removal. Nevertheless, the government continues with a strategy many consider outdated and ecologically harmful.
Periodista ambiental y de conservación colombiano, actualmente residente en Canadá.
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