to the editor: I was dismayed to read that wolves pray a lot for livestock (“These wolves returned to California, but their eating habits have caused alarm” July 9). While I can't blame ranchers for opposing wolves, they could reduce predation with the use of guard dogs. I've spoken to ranchers about this, and their typical response of “A dog could never fight a wolf” betrays a complete lack of understanding of the purpose of guard dogs.
They do not need to fight predators, they only need to alert the shepherd to their presence with a bark. Wolves try to sneak up on their prey. Once a guard dog starts barking at them, they leave in search of other prey. In Africa, people successfully use guard dogs to protect their livestock from lions and hyenas.
Miguel Muñoz, Los Angeles
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to the editor: How many thousands of years ago did humans manage to raise their livestock as part of their food supply and, perhaps with the help of shepherds or working dogs, keep their livestock safe?
Today, one might think that digital devices could replace shepherds or working dogs. But it would just be cheaper to kill the wolves, right?
Lisa Edmondson, Los Angeles
