Hell Hole West Fork Gila River, Gila Wilderness, New Mexico. Photo George Wuerthner
Good news in New Mexico. The Gila National Forest has decided to remove feral cattle from the Gila Wilderness and surrounding areas, either by non-lethal or lethal means.
It is remarkable for the FS to do anything about destructive livestock, so this decision by Forest Supervisor Camille Howes deserves special recognition for putting the public interest and public lands first.
Officials have given a kill order to wildlife experts in southwestern New Mexico as part of an effort to eliminate feral cows in the Gila Wilderness.
The Forest Service approved a plan to use helicopters and shooters to eliminate feral cattle from public lands.
Feral cattle are degrading the Gila Wilderness. Photo George Wuerthner
Supervisor Howes said: “The feral cattle in the Gila Wilderness have been aggressive towards wilderness visitors, graze year-round, and trample stream banks and springs, causing erosion and sedimentation,”
Ranchers, however, opposed the decision and argued the plan to shoot cows from a helicopter should be regarded as animal cruelty. In addition, they said the action violates federal regulations and will result in a problematic situation in dealing with the left-behind carcasses.
In an almost laughable statement, the livestock claims killing cattle starving to death from drought conditions is “cruel.” Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.
This action will result in cleaner water, healthier riparian zones, and a more intact Greater Gila Ecosystem.