DNR Asked to Act Fast to Control Gray Wolves
By Jeff Alexander
SURING — Next week state wildlife managers will have the authority to trap and destroy problem wolves.
One of their areas of focus will be around Suring in Oconto County. People living there say the Department of Natural Resources should act fast once the gray wolf is removed from the endangered species list.
Dale Fabry is worried about his pups. So much so, he won’t let them be outside without him.
“I had a wolf right by the house here,” Fabry recalls, “and the dogs knew it, too, because they bee-lined right in the house. And I don’t know if they’re after the deer or my pups because they know it’s an easy prey maybe.”
Fabry says wolf sightings are becoming a common occurrence around Suring. Three months ago wolves nearly killed this horse, and there’s fear animals aren’t the only ones in danger.
“One of these days a little boy or little girl is going to be missing. Playing in the sandbox, something is going to happen. Something has got to be done,” he said.
“It’s great they’re bringing them back, but I think they should be controlled,” Fabry added.
Others like coyote hunter Tony Gomber of Gillett aren’t so sympathetic. “The DNR shouldn’t have never planted them. They’re wrecking people’s animals and stuff. They should all be shot.”
Gomber feels it’s just a matter of time before wolves go after his cattle. “If they ever come by my animals, I’ll shoot ’em.”
Beginning Monday, landowners will be able to shoot wolves attacking their animals, but just living around them, many say, is eerie.
“Sometimes it’s a long walk from the house to the garage when we’re leaving for work. It’s scary,” Fabry said.