WHEREAS, the wolf (Canis lupus) with its unique social structure has become symbolic of the wild areas of the world; and
WHEREAS, as an important predator it has helped to shape the evolution of other species; and
WHEREAS, it has survived in the face of attempts to exterminate it in many locations; and
WHEREAS, some of its subspecies are included on endangered lists; and
WHEREAS, sound biological and ecological knowledge of the wolf is incomplete and/or inadequate; and
WHEREAS, the species is abundant in some areas, and may need population controls;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the American Society of Mammalogists encourage research on the various populations of the wolf so that its biology can be better understood; and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, that the Society encourage state and national agencies to adequately manage and protect wolf populations and their habitats; and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, that whenever wolf control is necessary such control be conducted as a part of a scientific management program that can in no way endanger the species or any of its populations.