First gray wolf seen at Grand Canyon in 70 years killed by Utah hunter

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Guardian

First gray wolf seen at Grand Canyon in 70 years killed by Utah hunter
Wednesday 11 February 2015 17.25 EST

Echo, who was spotted near the north rim of the famous Arizona landmark in 2014, was shot by a man who said he mistook her for a coyote



A gray wolf killed last year by a Utah hunter was “Echo”, a female that had garnered international attention after roaming from Wyoming to become the first of the protected animals seen at the Grand Canyon in Arizona in 70 years, US wildlife managers said on Wednesday.

News that the lone wolf spotted last fall near the north rim of the Grand Canyon was the same animal later killed in Utah by a hunter who said he mistook it for a coyote ignited outrage among wildlife advocates.

“It’s tragic that Echo traveled over 500 miles (800km) only to be cut down by an incredibly irresponsible coyote hunter,” said Bethany Cotton, wildlife program director for WildEarth Guardians.

Authorities have not released the name of the coyote hunter, who in December reported to Utah wildlife officers that he had accidentally shot and killed a radio-collared wolf near the border with Arizona.



Read more: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/feb/11/echo-gray-wolf-grand-canyon-killed-utah-hunter

---

DNA tests confirm wolf killed by 'confused' coyote hunter was Echo - the first of her species to be seen the Grand Canyon area for 70 YEARS

• The three-year-old female - named Echo in a nationwide student contest - was the first of her species to be seen in the area since at least 1945
  
• She had wandered more than 500 miles in her lifetime in a bid to find a mate
  
• The hunter responsible for Echo's death, who has not been named, said he mistook the wolf for a coyote.

By Associated Press and Reuters and Sadie Whitelocks For Dailymail.com
Published: 16:00 EST, 11 February 2015 | Updated: 17:30 EST, 11 February 2015

A rare gray wolf killed by a hunter in Utah last December was the same one spotted near the Grand Canyon months earlier, DNA testing has confirmed.

The three-year-old female - named Echo in a nationwide student contest - was the first of her species to be seen in the area since at least 1945.

She had wandered more than 500 miles in her lifetime in a bid to find a mate and was seen roaming near the Grand Canyon's North Rim and nearby forest in October and November.

The hunter responsible for Echo's death, who has not been named, said he mistook the wolf for a coyote.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2949501/Mistakenly-killed-wolf-animal-rare-Arizona-sighting.html#ixzz3RTuE14Sk

[NutmegYankee]

1. This isn't latest breaking news - this happened in December.

[groundloop]

3. It's 'late breaking news' to me - this is the first I'd heard of it

[NutmegYankee]

9. http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026038985

[Judi Lynn]

26. What's new today is the DNA confirmation it is the same wolf seen earlier, in the article. n/t

[NutmegYankee]

28. Took you 4 edits to finally reply.

[WHEN CRABS ROAR]

32. Obviously not everyone is perfect.

Sometimes all the complaining on DU just distracts from message.
Just saying.

[NutmegYankee]

43. No, it's rude to not reply and instead change the OP to make a reply look wrong.

[Judi Lynn]

55. Your reply was wrong altogether. I didn't need to "make a reply look wrong."

Anyone who takes the time can see what changes I made.

You were wrong, you're wrong now.

[pipoman]

33. It took you 1 edit to write 6 words and a number..

[NutmegYankee]

42. I didn't wait till someone replied, then changed my OP.

[pipoman]

53. So you pointed out an error

That being that the story isn't new....the op found the story believing it was new, then thanks to your alert, went back to find out what was new in the story that caused it to pop up in this new report, edited the op to address your astute observation...why do you even need a response? Mission accomplished right? The op now reflects lbn.. what more did you want when you posted? Shame?guilt?

[samsingh]

74. excellent point

[Codeine]

66. So you were deprived of your "Gotcha" moment.

You'll live.

[CreekDog]

85. if you'd taken the time you used to make 5 posts about everything but the wolf...

if you'd taken that time to read the article, you could have answered your own question.

[DeSwiss]

62. WTH is YOUR problem!?!?!

Don't answer.

[upaloopa]

2. It's always an accident with these folks.

Shoot first ask questions later because you don't have to be responcible.

[villager]

4. If only these "hunters" were ever in a fair contest w/ their prey

n/t

[Plucketeer]

23. Seriously!

If the wolf had shot the hunter, he could be excused for having mistaken him for a jerk.

[villager]

24. "Mistaken him?"

Unlike the hunter, the wolf would be right! (Though perhaps guilty of understatement).

[Plucketeer]

44. I didn't think I'd have to explain

Mistaken him for a jerk vs. a "fellow" inhabitant of earth.

[braddy]

52. That's what the rabbit says about the wolf, and the little wolf to the big wolf.

[pipoman]

8. It's a common mistake made in areas that haven't had a

Wolf population in 70 years.

[burrowowl]

56. Bullshit!

Any asshole who has seen a coyote knows the difference!
A wolf is a whole lot bigger and doesn't look like somebody's dog, which a coyote does!
May the s0-called hunter be prosecuted, tried and jailed (for along long time)!

[pipoman]

58. It is common, like it or not...

http://dnr.wi.gov/news/images/slideshows/Wolf_Coyote_Comparison/

Wildlife departments in every area that wolves have expanded into have recognized this fact and have educational materials to help.

[forest444]

59. +1

[burrowowl]

57. Bullshit!

Any asshole who has seen a coyote knows the difference!
A wolf is a whole lot bigger and doesn't look like somebody's dog, which a coyote does!
May the s0-called hunter be prosecuted, tried and jailed (for along long time)!

[Fearless]

63. Bullshit! Anyone can tell the difference.

[pipoman]

65. Apparently state game departments disagree...

http://dnr.wi.gov/news/images/slideshows/Wolf_Coyote_Comparison/

If there have never been wolves in an area you've lived your whole life, you would have zero expectation of seeing a wolf.

[Judi Lynn]

16. It always seems to work for them, unfortunately. n/t

[SoCalMusicLover]

5. Guns Do Not Know What A "Mistake" Is

Guns are one of mankind's greatest inventions. Incredibly effective at what it is designed for. Killing life.

In life, you often get a 2nd chance, but not usually when a gun is involved.

[pipoman]

68. Not exactly true..

Since there are 3 or 4 times as many injuries with firearms than deaths.

[samsingh]

6. i find it difficult to have any liking for hunters (unless they are hunting for food)

I don't know how someone carrying a firearm can look at an innocent deer, wolf, bird and then pull the trigger to kill it and any children the animal may have.

disgusting

[pipoman]

10. Do you feel this way about

Cattle, veal, turkeys, chickens, sheep, goats, pigs, etc.?

[samsingh]

12. yes - i don't eat meat - i gave it up for that reason

[Plucketeer]

20. None of those creatures would be bred

if it weren't with the intent of consuming them - and there's plenty for everybody. Wildlife on the other hand - they don't breed in hopes of ending up on someone's table.

[pipoman]

31. There wouldn't be nearly as much, nor as healthy

Of many wildlife species if it weren't for hunters. Most who are the most outspoken anti hunters don't spend a cent to protect or restore habitat, every hunter does through license fees. Some spend much, much more. Ducks Unlimited, The Wild Turkey Federation, and virtually every other species have their funds and charities. Entire species have been saved in areas primarily on the funds of hunting groups..turkeys are a great example of this, the great plains turkey recovery of the 1980's and 90's has improved the lives and populations of many prey animals including coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions..prior to this coyotes were dying of mange, bobcats were rare and mountain lions were nonexistent. Oh, and there are literally millions of wild turkeys populating nearly every tree line and wooded area of the great plains states.

[WHEN CRABS ROAR]

35. What explains the unbelievable abundance of game

in North America before it was settled coast to coast? Were the first peoples that good at balancing the populations of game animals or did these populations self-regulate themselves?
But you're right about the turkeys, just yesterday two came walking thru here.

[pipoman]

39. No population, no transportation , no industry....

We won't be going back to pre-settlement days anytime soon...game was depleted by hungry immigrants and despicable acts of waste. Without the efforts, money, and regulation of 20th century hunters there would be nearly no game.

Another example would be sandhill cranes and migratory birds in general. Several years ago ducks unlimited, and a few other waterfowl groups partially funded the repair of many migratory bird stops. Right near me Cheyenne Bottoms State Park and Quivera National Park waterways were reopened costing millions all funded by hunters...licenses, waterfowl stamps, and wildlife charity groups funded both projects with no public money spent.Since this duck populations have boomed as have goose and other water birds.

[Brigid]

90. The first people knew better than to destroy their environment.

Their logic being, where -- and how -- would we live if we did that? Besides, all those creatures belong here too, and humans have no right to wantonly destroy them or their habitats. No wonder they think white people are out of our minds.

[truebrit71]

37. Amazing how you seem to forget that the best hunters....

...are other predators, you know, like wolves... but I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt your gungasm apologia...

[pipoman]

41. Amazing how few understand how much it costs to maintain

Wildlife and habitat...no surprise since most don't contribute a cent....never met a wolf who had title to real estate, could treat plagues, and write checks...no, fantasy and reality is what it boils down to...

[samsingh]

73. i'm probably misunderstanding you

but I don't think we can tax the animals.

[Plucketeer]

45. Eh -

Bravo. Makes one wonder how anything survived before the arrival of guns on the scene.

[pipoman]

48. Funny how some think the answer to every question has something to do with guns ..

Try settlement...try, where your house is sitting right now used to be a bambi's home...

[Plucketeer]

49. Actually

this place was a swamp. But here's the thing that I'll bet you don't expect from me. WE are an integral cog of evolution. Our species evolved with a "superior" brain - as opposed to wings or gills or fangs or fill in the blank. However we THINK we're "in control", we're not. The way we're screwing up this planet - however we're AWARE of what's happening - it's happening. So - with species we don't even KNOW of disappearing an alarming rate, you wanna make me feel good that we're playing a role insofar as deer and bobcats are concerned? Nah. Gun owners just like to kill things. They can paste some positive spin baloney, bandage sorta thing on it, but it's really the perceived "prowess" of the kill they crave that drives whatever "conservation" they might hold up as a badge of honor. LOL. It's going to come down to US, Rodents and cockroaches - maybe sea urchins if they can stand the fetid brew we're mixing for them.
We're superior - with all the answers. I'm just glad I'm in my "twilight" years so I won't have to suffer the fruits our whiz-dumb is gonna reap.

[pipoman]

50. The realities of human existence won't be changing any time soon...

Therefore having someone...anyone paying attention to things like habitat...the things those with a pretend version of reality, believe take care of themselves...is the only care standing between a species existence and extinction. Furthermore the maintenance and repair of waterways benefited far more species than are of hunting interest. With the recovery of any species comes positive results for other species. Doesn't really matter what space you are occupying, it is space previously occupied by species of wildlife and plantlife. Hunters have insured the maintenance of most public natural habitats and a lot of private land too. There are millions of acres of farm ground in my state not being farmed, the income on the investment are hunting leases. Leases that provide natural habitat for many species. No, it's always those who are farthest removed and contribute the least who think they know best.


I've been listening to old timers going on about teotwawki since childhood, so far they were all wrong.

[Plucketeer]

69. Enjoy your tools of death

I'm sure they're comforting.

[pipoman]

77. I haven't hunted for years...

Just haven't buried my head in the sand about the realities of wildlife in the US. Enjoy what you can of it knowing those you apparently despise are picking up the tab.

[samsingh]

72. it's an old silly argument that hunters help the environment

might be helpful to overcome whatever deep guilt they may feel or like brian Williams, self advertise a higher self worth.

hunters will shoot the healthiest, biggest animals with their powerful guns (wow what a hunt). THIS IS A KEY POINT.

other preditors like wolves will go after the weakest of the herd. This makes the herd stronger - and allows the wolves to survive.

hunters just feel powerful he-men by killing and putting carcuses on the wall.

[Plucketeer]

76. Yup

No other "sport" has more of a public service facet than killing defenseless animals.

"Hey Hon - can I buy that new rifle I've been lusting for? I'll be doing my part for the eco-system AND generating jobs for local taxidermists."

[samsingh]

78. the eco-system part is a lie

[pipoman]

80. Maybe you can share with us how much actual money

You contribute to wildlife habitat? How much land you own and have let return to native species of plants and animals. Actually it doesn't really matter because in the US somewhere north of 80% of natural habitat it funded by hunters in whole or in part. No, it is those who contribute nothing and live far removed who whine at the highest pitch.

[samsingh]

22. btw - i'm not a pacifist or anti death penalty

[Judi Lynn]

15. You are not alone in this. A lot of the human race is evolving. They just don't make much noise,

they aren't belligerent, they don't try to shout others down, so it's hard to know that they are here!

[samsingh]

17. so good to know

[LanternWaste]

70. It's a bit difficult for me to wrap my head around someone who is entertained by killing.

Me too. It's a bit difficult for me to wrap my head around someone who is entertained by killing.

[oldandhappy]

7. I hope this guy gets the measles!

Hmmmm Accident. He saw, he aimed, he fired. Not an accident. Deliberate killing. Maybe he did not know it was Echo. But he did intend to kill an animal that he had not correctly identified.

[samsingh]

18. that's right - no accident

take the responsibility when they have a gun and feel that need to kill.

[Dont call me Shirley]

11. Echo....

Dumba&&e& like this hunter should not be allowed to use a gun, let alone own any.

[samsingh]

19. exactly

there should be consequences to the hunter for this

[elias49]

13. Oh what a pity. nt

[Raine1967]

14. This story breaks my heart. It isn't really LBN stuff.

Could I suggest a redirect to GD?

[Judi Lynn]

27. This dead wolf was protected under the Endangered Species Act. That's nationally important. n/t

[samsingh]

21. fing killer saw this beautiful animal and killed it.

[C Moon]

25. No! What an ass!

[heaven05]

29. How sad

and disgusting. "confused"??????? Ass.... of the worst american type. Period.

[MFM008]

30. who cares if it happend today or 3 years ago

it HAPPENED. Some redneck asshat killed her. Their answer is always SHOOT first for anything. I have a 357 right next to my hand to be used under the most dire threat so unless a damn bear was breaking into my one bedroom , OR a serial killer I would never use it. Why do they always gotta go out of their way to kill something?

[red dog 1]

34. + 1000

I remember reading about this here on DU back when it happened.

Coyotes rarely travel alone like wolves do..They travel in packs.

Adult wolves are much larger than coyotes.

I don't believe the asshole's stupid excuse for killing Echo.

[red dog 1]

36. Kicked! Thanks for posting, Judi Lynn

Now we know for sure that it was, indeed, Echo.

[Skittles]

38. hunters, fucking cowards

f*** them

[samsingh]

75. yes

[CountAllVotes]

40. Such beautiful animals

PBS Nature re: The Valley of the Wolves

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/in-the-valley-of-the-wolves-video-full-episode/4678/

Nearly extinct.

[olddad56]

46. I wound imagine that brought him some 'bragging rights' amongst his peers.

[jmowreader]

47. Difference between a wolf and a coyote

Gray wolf:


Coyote:


They look fairly similar from a distance (except coyotes have bigger ears), but a female wolf is twice the size of a male coyote.

I don't think he "mistakenly" shot the wolf. A lot of people in the west actively despise wolves; the hunter possibly knew exactly what it was and shot it anyway, then claimed confusion to justify it. And...it will work.

[pipoman]

51. bullshit

There hadn't been a wolf there for 70 years. This guy has probably been hunting there for 60 years and never saw or even heard of a wolf in the area. From 100 yards they are difficult to distinguish. He called wildlife immediately after realizing what had happened...it ridiculous to say the guy did this intentionally...a tragedy he probably feels badly about...

[truebluegreen]

54. Bullshit.

I'm not a hunter, but I've seen scads of coyotes over the years and I had no difficulty telling the difference the first time I saw a wolf. A LOT bigger, and less foxy looking. And I didn't have a scope.

[ND-Dem]

60. i'm not a hunter, but i can tell a wolf from a coyote.

[pipoman]

67. If you are in an area where both are found maybe....

Otoh, sit on the ground and look over 100 yards of grass and brush. You're only seeing half a torso and a head in an area where there hasn't been a wolf for 70 years....it is a different story...

[ND-Dem]

71. i've never seen a wolf in the wild. few people have. regardless, i know what a wolf looks like

and a hunter would even more so.

[pipoman]

79. Just because it is your feeling doesn't make it truth....

[F4lconF16]

81. If you can make that mistake, you shouldn't be hunting.

When you are killing things, you damn well better know what you're shooting. There is no excuse.

[pipoman]

82. If you are driving you shouldn't wreck...how far are you gonna take it?

[Nihil]

84. Most civilised countries will take the driving licence away from a dangerous driver ...

... yet this piece of shit "hunter" not only gets to continue killing whatever he wants,
he even keeps his anonymity.

That "hunter" is, at best, incompetent (i.e., going on your "mistaken identification" view)
or, more likely, a cowardly liar.

Why is he allowed to continue killing things that he shouldn't?
Do you applaud drunk drivers who survive the crashes that they cause?

[pipoman]

86. Who's talking about dangerous drivers or dui?

[Nihil]

87. You (in .82).

Maybe you want to try another analogy to excuse the shooter?

[pipoman]

88. No, I'm talking about the 95% of drivers

Who have been involved in accidents unrelated to alcohol and which didn't result in a license suspension. You do know most nonalcohol related accidents don't result in license suspension, no? Most accidents are the result of mistakes in judgement, or simply not seeing something....they rarely result in license suspension anywhere I am aware of...if they did there would be a fuckload less drivers on the road....

No, there isn't a single person in this thread who hasn't committed many errors.....the only time they want to punish others is for errors they could never commit because they don't engage in the activity they are criticizing and therefore haven't a clue what they are babbling on about....

[DeSwiss]

61. Confused and yet armed.

- She was beautiful. {long-sigh}

K&R

[In_The_Wind]

83. This is a damed shame!

[Myrina]

89. :(

Dammit.

[Brigid]

91. Poor Echo!