Practically everyone in Alaska is an amature wildlife biologist. I guess I'm no different... It helps to remember that the State does their counts of moose by plane. They can cover a lot more ground than a hunter or even a wolf pack can. The anectdotal evidence of the tribal council might not be contradicting the "hard, scientific" ESTIMATE of the state if one remembers that the people and the wolves are likely hunting in the same areas. Wherever its easiest. Probably right along the river.

On a side note, here in Anchorage wolves have actually been eating the pets of vegitarian urbanites along many of the city's and neighboring military base's hiking trails. I've been quietly rooting for the wolves, but it has been AMAZING how quickly self-proclaimed "conservationists" (an inaccurate use of that term, I think) begin screaming for the blood of urban wolves when Fido has been ripped from the leash in his master's hand and made into dinner by a pack of hungry predators.

I'm sure that the state will find a decent compromise with the tribal council. This isn't about gangs of blood-thirsty "indians" out for the thrill of whacking fuzzy puppies in the head. Its about a group of people trying to sustain a subsistance life-style. Maybe there is an interested party in the Lower 48 that can raise money to relocate these pups. Adopt them into zoos or something. In my opinion the tribal council should put forth a proposition to whack all of the out-of-state safari hunters that come up here every year and shoot our game. Just a thought.

Our relationship with wolves, bears and other predators on the land and in the sea tends to be uneasy here in The Greatland. But how cool is it that it is even an issue? I was born and raised here and I wouldn't have it any other way. "Welcome to Alaska. Step off the bus and into the food chain!"