Reece Posted August 18, 2012 Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 (edited) Some of you may be aware that there is talk about reintroducing wolves to Scotland. However, it is only talk, and there are no plans for a reintroduction at the moment. I thought it would be an interesting topic to discuss. The main argument for a reintroduction is to control deer numbers, which are preventing natural regeneration of Scotland's native pine forest. For over a hundred years, the remnants of the forest has been shrinking. Deer eat all the young seedlings and old trees were dying without any young trees growing to replace them. The wolf's backers say that wolves would be a perfect natural method of controlling deer numbers, much more effective than culling, aiding woodland regeneration. Opponents say that wolves should not be reintroduced because of the danger to farm livestock, which could become the preferred prey. Predators are designed by evolution to use as little energy as possible when finding a meal. Wolf attacks on humans, however, are extremely rare. Personally, I am undecided. But what do Pigeon Watch members think of it all? Edited August 18, 2012 by Reece Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dangerzone Posted August 18, 2012 Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 Wolves will eat sheep, cattle or any other domestic animal they have the oppertunity to eat, that includes your pet dog!!! I have relitives farming in Canada, they lost a dog to wolves letting it out for a pee at night, they now keep alpacas with their sheep to reduce losses to wolves. If you are undecided........you are probably too thick to vote on the matter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Geordie Posted August 18, 2012 Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 Arrange more deer shooting and extend the season until the numbers are low enough to not cause a problem. Sorted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poontang Posted August 18, 2012 Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 As long as a few of them migrate to the local towns and cities I can't see a problem. I'm sure the residents would be happy to feed and water them...just like they do with foxes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beeredup Posted August 18, 2012 Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 (edited) might make an arguement towards re-introduction of hand guns for protection while out hiking Edited August 18, 2012 by beeredup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Imperfection Posted August 18, 2012 Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 Surely there should be a fourth voting option-what calibre for wolf because that is what would happen if they did reintroduce them.Nope,i prefer our land with us being the main predator. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sako751sg Posted August 18, 2012 Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 Hell no. And as for the reason being to control deer numbers? There are thousands and thousands of recreational stalkers who would do it for free,or even pay a wee donation if it was made available. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blunderbuss Posted August 18, 2012 Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 On one level, I would love there to be wild wolves living in Britain again, it would make our few remaining wild places a little bit wilder. I can't imagine anything cooler than walking in the remote highlands and hearing a wolf calling. Practically however these islands have changed beyond recognition since wolves became extinct and our landscape is too managed, our population high and we have too much livestock to make this viable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the enigma Posted August 18, 2012 Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 Farmers lose enough stock to foxes, without the reintroduction of another predator. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wymberley Posted August 18, 2012 Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 Read the first two posts and voted based on which of those two was the most sensible offering overall.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CharlieT Posted August 18, 2012 Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 (edited) Well, if Scotish sheep farmers are anything like this West Country sheep farmer the wolves would soon get the three "S" treatment. Edited August 18, 2012 by CharlieT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thunderbird Posted August 18, 2012 Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 As long as a few of them migrate to the local towns and cities I can't see a problem. I'm sure the residents would be happy to feed and water them...just like they do with foxes. You bet they would! On one level, I would love there to be wild wolves living in Britain again, it would make our few remaining wild places a little bit wilder. I can't imagine anything cooler than walking in the remote highlands and hearing a wolf calling. Practically however these islands have changed beyond recognition since wolves became extinct and our landscape is too managed, our population high and we have too much livestock to make this viable. Agreed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bedwards1966 Posted August 18, 2012 Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 Is this a windup? I kind of like the idea of having wolves around, but they would all have to be shot to protect livestock (mainly sheep)! Then people would (understandably) be worried about taking their dogs out where there are wolves. What about little children? I can't see that they'd be safe from wolves - one kid dead would put an end to it all rather rapidly. I don't see any way it could ever possibly work - and considering how many people would like to be able to shoot the deer I can't see it being needed either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nipper Posted August 18, 2012 Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mk1 Man Posted August 18, 2012 Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 Brilliant Idea....but train them to hunt ......ahem..."undesirable" illegal residents, otters & Mink. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
what rabbit Posted August 18, 2012 Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 same as a few others here love the idea. couldn't work Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frenchieboy Posted August 18, 2012 Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 Surely farmers, smallholders and other livestock keepers suffer enough from "predation" without re-introducing yet another (Top) predator that would be second on the rung just one step below man! Personally I can never see this happening in the UK! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
four-wheel-drive Posted August 18, 2012 Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 I would not bet on it not happening if nature Britain or whatever they are called has anything to do with it we got stuck with all of those bloody gurt birds that we cannot shoot and get put in jail if you do so why not Wolves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reece Posted August 18, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 As long as a few of them migrate to the local towns and cities I can't see a problem. I'm sure the residents would be happy to feed and water them...just like they do with foxes. And when one attacks a kid, Brian May and other antis appear out of nowhere and deny it all. Surely farmers, smallholders and other livestock keepers suffer enough from "predation" without re-introducing yet another (Top) predator that would be second on the rung just one step below man! Personally I can never see this happening in the UK! Scottish Natural Heritage has no plans at the moment, and it is extremely unlikely to happen. I was expecting most people to be against it here, and the majority who voted are against it, but I find the percentage of yes votes surprisingly high. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted August 18, 2012 Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 Closest I could see is a fenced area with some wolves in a semi zoo arrangement like deer parks ( what a success they were). Beavers are getting reintroduced not sure that's a great idea Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henry d Posted August 18, 2012 Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 (edited) I was going to say yes, release them in the home counties, but that would have caused a kerfuffle, how about the Yorkshire dales, Lakes or the peak district, that would make them quieter on a bank holiday Beavers are getting reintroduced not sure that's a great idea No they are not..... Edited August 18, 2012 by henry d Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince Green Posted August 18, 2012 Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 It will never happen. As said before predators default to the easiest food source. They will only hunt deer if they can't find sheep and ground game. There is a perfectly simple way of controlling deer which also puts money into the local economy and meat into our food chain. The fact that greedy estates charge so much for a days stalking may be at the source of any deer overpopulation. There are plenty on here willing to do it for free or even a reasonable charge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gamekeeper1960 Posted August 18, 2012 Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 Why stop there ! let bring back lion and bears probably be best if start with reintroduction in kent that might just stop illegal coming through the tunnel Dave. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bazooka Joe Posted August 18, 2012 Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 Scottish Natural Heritage has no plans at the moment, and it is extremely unlikely to happen. A program on Sky a while ago covered a bloke who bought an estate up Scotland, & fenced it off. IIRC, he shipped some Moose over, & had plans to re-introduce the Wolf, the owners of the neighbouring estates weren't concerned, & wished him the best of luck. The fact that greedy estates charge so much for a days stalking may be at the source of any deer overpopulation. Valid point Vince. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pboro shot Posted August 18, 2012 Report Share Posted August 18, 2012 it was only the other week they were panicking about muntjack being seen in scotland and the threat to red deer and stalking indusry in general im sure wolfs would be more of a threat then muntjack ever would , ` most animals /birds that have been reintruduced have soon started causing problems they did before ,im sure most game/river keepers will agree Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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