The love of wolves is worldwide. So is the lack of scientific fact about wolves and a denial of history. In Germany, wolf lovers want the state to build wildlife bridges or tunnels over or under the Autobahn. The idea is to provide a safe migration route for wolves and moose coming into Eastern Germany from Poland.
Not unlike here in the U.S. those pushing for the migration believe the wolf should become part of the ecosystem to provide what they believe is a natural balance. Those opposed are mostly ranchers and hunters.
“Official support for the wolf population is morally and economically an imposition on private property,” said Christian Schwinner-Strachwitz, 66, who owns a forest in Saxony and fears the wolves will prey on the red deer on his property that he hunts. “That’s why I’m against it.”
And a comment from those who think democracy means trampling on others’ rights.
“People in Germany think they have a democratic right to choose whether wolves and other animals are allowed here,” said WWF program officer Izabela Skawinska. “Most people don’t realize that wolves are protected by international and EU law.”
Tom Remington
