In an open letter published in Nature Alberta, scientists contend that killing Alberta’s wolves benefits big industry, not endangered caribou.

Over the past decade, the Alberta government has killed more than 1,000 wolves in its efforts to conserve caribou by employing snipers in helicopters, snares, and strychnine-laced bait to kill wolves (slowly). An elementary principle of ecosystem-based conservation has always been the retention, protection, and restoration of key habitat. Despite this, Alberta is allowing oil and gas operations to continue in critical caribou habitat.

Are Alberta’s wolves paying the ultimate price for Alberta’s negligence and inaction? What say you?

Read the letter here.