Did you know that just 20 miles southwest of St Louis there is a very important breeding program taking place concerning the Mexican gray wolf? It was founded by a St Louis zoo director named Marlin Perkins and his wife Carol in 1971. Only a little over 140 Mexican Wolves are known to exist and these are only in captivity. Wolves are not bad -- they are predators necessary in our world to help balance nature. Some people never realize how important predators are until it is almost too late. A good example is this; medieval Europe decided cats were evil and had most of them killed. The rat population increased and the Black Plague was spread through the masses by the rodents. Once the cats were reintroduced into society, the rats were killed and the plague all but disappeared. This is what can happen when man disturbs the ecosystems. The fear that this animal would slaughter thousands of livestock in the Southwest is what led ranchers and the government funded Animal Damage Control to kill the wolves. Their methods were far from humane and they still are killing other wolves and predators at an alarming rate. But there are groups trying to help the Mexican and other wolves make a comeback in the world. The WCSRC leases 50 acres from the Tyson Research Center for a nominal fee, The whole Tyson area encompasses 2000 acres and is owned and operated by Washington University in St. Louis. The WCSRC operates separately from the university. Here in New Mexico a noble experiment has been started with the reintroduction of the Mexican gray wolf. Even though they would be able to get better results if the local ranchers would stop shooting them, research continues. The Game and Fish department had been told the ranchers did not want them turned loose near their live stock. When the wolf is introduced to St Louis I'm sure the coyote problem in Ladue will be taken care of and the rest of the rat problem that has plagued the area for many generations. Coyotes first, Rats second. We'll think of something later for the wolves. So rest easy St Louis, no more Cholera, black plague and the rest of the miasmas that have tormented us for centuries. However do keep an eye on the kiddies while at play.----Jim