Cathy Ellis, Canwest News Service 

BANFF, Alta. -- A controversial experiment to shoot wolf pups and sterilize their parents so more elk will be left for hunters is being criticized by conservationists, scientists and Parks Canada.

The experiment in the area near Rocky Mountain House, about 230 kilometres northwest of Calgary, is intended to cut wolf packs down to two or three individuals each.

The University of Alberta project, which is endorsed by the Alberta government, involves sterilizing the alpha male and female and destroying other wolves in the pack.

The idea is that keeping wolf packs small allows the sterilized alpha pair to defend its territories, while letting more elk live.

But author and zoologist Paul Paquet, an expert on wolf research, called the experiment "destructive and morally reprehensible."

Paquet said it's difficult to label this as legitimate research, particularly because these are already disturbed wolf packs subject to hunting and trapping.

To read the full article please visit:
http://www.canada.com/topics/story.html?id=746ec8df-f85f-48ed-8b1f-f3077080cd01

To sign a petition against this cruel experiment please click here. 

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