Wolf makes a comeback in France (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

By Christian Fraser
BBC News, Hautes Alpes

In the summer months high on the French Alps the sheep graze on rich pastures.

In the Hautes Alpes, they are currently feeding beneath ski lifts on slopes that will soon be covered by a thick layer of snow.

But this year the freedom to roam has been curtailed. Somewhere in the dark, dense forests a grey wolf is on the prowl.

The wolf was hunted almost to extinction in France in the 1930s but, protected as an endangered species, it is making a surprising comeback.

Some 200 wolves have colonised the southern regions of France, divided into about 20 packs. They are believed to have crossed from Italy in the mid-1990s and they are moving ever further north.
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more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14637701




An interesting read. All the conflicts you expect between protecting wild animals and protecting domestic flocks, but the opposition doesn't always break down along the lines expected.

[villager]

1. fantastic news

Am reminded of a Neil Gaiman line from the Miracle Man comic book series, wherein the titular hero has a chance to remake England. People get to vote on things, like whether to bring wolves back to their forests.

The narrating character, on the wolf question, says "I voted yes. Oh yes. Oh God yes."

[Jack Rabbit]

2. Why does Blitzer need to go to France to make a comeback?

Are things that hopeless for him here?

[BeyondGeography]

3. Changed his name to Loup Blitzer and everything...

[provis99]

4. how long until crazed Bavarian hunters kill the wolves?

like they re-exterminated German bears?
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2006/jun/26/animalwelfare.germany

[TheWraith]

5. They should implement a park ranger service like there is in some African countries.

Where the park rangers carry automatic rifles and rocket propelled grenades.