ABC Foreign Correspondent - Whos Afraid of the Big Wild Wolf (2010)

Information
Who's Afraid of the Big Wild Wolf?
Broadcast: 19/10/2010
Reporter: Michael Brissenden

Under the blazing Idaho sun, he wears a Stetson and a t-shirt that reads ‘Smoke a Pack a Day’ but he’s no Marlboro Man. His pick-up offers up another hint - another slogan as he slams the tailgate shut and reveals a licence plate that reads ‘No Wolfs’.

Ron Gillette is one of a number of outspoken hunters taking aim at an animal that is returning in number to the wilds of his western state. The Canadian or Gray wolf.

“I think if the devil had an animal it would be the wolf - no question about it. In my thinking Bin Laden is a classic example of a foreign terrorist. The wolf is the wildlife terrorist.” RON GILLETTE, HUNTER & ANTI-WOLF CAMPAIGNER

The wolf all but disappeared from the spectacular countryside but a long stretch on the endangered species list offered protection from shooters and re-introduction and regeneration programs have meant that the wolf has once again become a significant predator in the forests.

For Ron it’s a menace growing out of control.

For others like Nancy Taylor it’s a magnificent creature that should be allowed to roam wild in the woods. Nancy runs a preservation project called Wolf People and breeds wolves in captivity.

“The Little Red Riding Hood stories from Europe really, really hurt the wolf and they’re still hurting him today. They make the wolf out to be a monster, a snarling evil creature which he isn’t.” NANCY TAYLOR ‘WOLF PEOPLE’

Nancy, conservationists, courts and the local Indian tribe the Nez Perce have all managed to stare down the hunters. After the wolf was dropped from the protected species list a hunting season was set and would have been well underway by now but an appeal relisted the wolf, the season suspended and hunters were forced to lower their sights.

In this breathtakingly beautiful Foreign Correspondent shot by cameraman Louie Eroglu and reported by Michael Brissenden all sides – ranchers, Indians, conservationists and hunters - square off, for and agin’ the wolf.

“You know if there was ever a time for civil disobedience its now and it’s over this wolf problem.” RON GILLETTE

“If somebody were to threaten my wolves I would step in front of them and take the bullet.” NANCY TAYLOR