“I pity the country / I pity the state / And the mind of a man / Who thrives on hate.”
– Willie Dunn, 1971

More than 50 years after Willie Dunn wrote those words in protest of colonial violence and exploitation, they still deeply resonate. As I write this, I’m thinking about the deep connection so many of us feel to the wild—from the howl of a coyote echoing through a canyon to the quiet dignity of a wild place untouched by greed. I’m also thinking about how much is at stake right now. Across the country, we’re witnessing a dangerous slide toward authoritarian power—where public lands are sold to the highest bidder, science is ignored or distorted, and wildlife is treated as expendable. These aren’t isolated incidents; they’re part of a broader effort to dismantle the systems that protect life—human and nonhuman alike.

I’ve witnessed firsthand what happens when hate, not care, drives decision-making. In 2021, we watched in horror as Wisconsin unleashed an all-out slaughter of wolves—nearly half the state’s population gunned down in just 60 hours, during breeding season, many with hounds unleashed in pursuit. I remember the trail cam photos of pups exploring their snowy home, the joy of a neighbor family watching the Lewiston Bog Pack raise its young. And I remember the gut-punch image of hunters posing with the bodies of those same wolves—smiling emojis hiding faces, but not the violence of what they had done.

Now, wolves and most wild animals across the country face an even greater threat. Our federal government—once the last line of defense—has turned its back. In April, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, alongside USDA Wildlife Services, killed Viento, the wild father of the Hail Canyon Pack, during denning season. His death was quickly followed by more: Asiza, a pregnant female, and Ella, a young roaming wolf who vanished under suspicious circumstances. Nine of the 25 wolves reintroduced to Colorado have died, most at the hands of humans. These are not just tragic mistakes—they are betrayals. Of public trust. Of science. Of Indigenous sovereignty. Of the very idea that wild beings have a right to exist.

And the pattern is spreading.

We are watching, in real time, as the war on wildlife becomes a broader assault on democracy itself. Federal to county governments are abdicating their responsibilities, ignoring science, criminalizing coexistence, and codifying cruelty. This is about wolves—but it’s also about power. About which voices are silenced and which are heard. About whether the lands we share will be governed by compassion and accountability—or auctioned off to the loudest bullies and the deepest pockets.

At Wildlife for All, we believe the only thing strong enough to stop this is us. Grassroots people power. Ordinary citizens who refuse to look away. Communities who organize, show up, speak out, and demand better. People willing to throw their bodies upon the gears of the machine, as student protester Mario Savio so urgently called for in 1964.

That’s why we launched our Courage Campaign. Because we need state leaders to resist the pressure to kill and instead govern for life. Because we need more of us willing to step into the fray with love and courage. Because this isn’t just a fight for wolves—it’s a fight for the wild, for democracy, for each other.

Let Viento’s death, the Colorado wolves who are only known by their numbered names, and the memory of Wisconsin’s wolves, not be in vain. Let their lives fuel a movement rooted in justice, science, and kinship—with all life. Let us meet this moment with everything we’ve got.

In solidarity,
Michelle

Calling on Courageous Leaders: In case you missed it, we recently launched our Courage Campaign, which calls on state decision-makers across the country to stand up for wildlife and democracy. We urge you to send a message to your governor and state legislators, asking them to hold the line—with courage—against harmful policies that threaten wildlife and public lands. Your voice matters in pushing for a future where our leaders prioritize conservation and justice. For more information on how to get involved, visit our campaign page.

Ongoing Public Lands Harms: We are at a tipping point—and courageous state leadership has never been more critical. Right now, our federal public lands are under attack, driven by policies that prioritize industrial interests over ecological stewardship. The federal government is moving to shrink national monuments, which not only diminishes protected areas but also jeopardizes the diverse ecosystems that thrive within them. And behind the scenes, a quiet but aggressive land grab is accelerating—handing public lands over to industrial interests like fossil fuels, mining, and large-scale agriculture, which speeds habitat destruction and threatens wildlife populations. 

In addition, the depletion of the federal workforce means that critical resources necessary for the protection and management of these lands are dangerously low—leaving our natural heritage vulnerable and under-resourced. 

These are not isolated threats—they are part of a coordinated effort to weaken environmental safeguards, destroy wildlife habitat, and silence the public’s voice in land management. If we don’t act now, we risk losing critical ecosystems and the species that depend on them.That’s why we recently participated and sponsored the recent Healthy Public Lands conference, which served as an essential platform to address these issues and strategize solutions collaboratively. 

We need bold, unapologetic leadership from every level—leaders willing to challenge extractive power, protect biodiversity, and stand up for future generations. The time to fight for responsible, science-based stewardship of our shared public lands is now.

Tell UC Davis: Correct Flawed Wolf Study: A recent UC Davis-published study is fueling disinformation—and it’s already being weaponized by anti-wolf forces. Without peer review, without context, and without balance, the university blasted out preliminary findings claiming that one wolf can cause over $160,000 in cattle losses. Wildlife for All’s Michelle Lute joined other leading wolf scientists and conservationists to demand corrective action in a letter to the university. But we need to add public pressure. Join us in calling on UC Davis to set the record straight, uphold scientific integrity, and stand up for responsible communication about wolves and wildlife. 

Updated Advocacy Toolkit Now Available: We are thrilled to announce that our advocacy toolkit has been updated and is now freely accessible to all. This comprehensive resource is designed to empower community members and advocates like you, providing effective strategies and tools to take action for wildlife and their habitats. Whether you’re new to advocacy or a seasoned pro, we invite you to explore the toolkit and use it to inform wildlife advocacy in your state.

Colorado Lawsuit Ends—But the Power Struggle Isn’t Over: 

A recent settlement in Colorado resolved a frivolous lawsuit brought by trophy hunting groups against the commission and two individual commissioners. This lawsuit is part of a broader backlash against progress: an effort to chill participation by commissioners who bring science-based, ecologically-grounded, and inclusive perspectives to the table.

• Read more about the hypocrisy—and the path forward.
• Dig into what the lawsuit settlement really means.

Get Involved in Your State’s Wildlife Action Plan: Now is the time to make your voice heard! Many states are in the process of updating their State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAPs), which are essential blueprints for conserving wildlife and their habitats. These plans guide how resources are allocated and conservation priorities are established, making your input crucial. We encourage you to get involved by learning more about your state’s process and how you can contribute to shaping effective wildlife conservation strategies. To help you navigate this important initiative, we’ve created a helpful primer that outlines the key components of SWAPs and provides tips for advocacy. Check it out here and take action to protect the wildlife in your state!

Wildlife Commissions in Focus: 

From New Jersey to Michigan and Colorado to Washington, June is a big month for wildlife commission meetings. These are public decision-making spaces where the future of species, habitats, and democratic governance is on the line. We’ve gathered the key dates and issues to watch. Check out our roundup to stay informed and involved.

Celebrating New Mexico State Representative Matthew McQueen: We would like to shine a spotlight on New Mexico State Representative Matthew McQueen as a true champion for wildlife and wild places. His steadfast leadership was instrumental in getting Senate Bill 5 (SB5) passed—historic reform that advances the just governance of all wildlife in the Land of Enchantment. This victory is a critical step forward toward a more inclusive and science-based approach to wildlife management.

Recognizing Delani Delgado: We’re sending deep gratitude to Delani Delgado, who recently wrapped up her role as Wildlife for All’s Membership Coordinator. Delani is tireless, flexible, creative, and always ready to tackle whatever popped up with humor and grace. Her contributions helped shape our work and vision. We’re lucky to have had her on the team and excited to see what’s next for this brilliant advocate. 💚 Thank you, Delani!

Stateline: As states rethink wildlife management, New Mexico offers a new model
Wildlife for All is featured in this deep dive on New Mexico’s historic governance reform and what it could mean for the future of wildlife management.

Christian Science Monitor: The military now controls zones at southern border. Here’s how that looks to locals
Michelle Lute speaks to the growing ecological and democratic threats from the militarization of federal public lands in the Southwest.

Stateline: Looking to keep wildlife out of the emergency room, states expand managers’ role
Wildlife for All highlights how outdated systems struggle to respond to habitat loss, climate chaos, and species collapse—and why structural reform matters now more than ever.

Santa Fe New Mexican: Wolves deserve better than political betrayal
Michelle Lute and board member Brenda McKenna call out political cowardice and urge federal leaders to stand up for Mexican gray wolves.