Craters of the Moon Administrative History

Chapter 6:
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Resource Management At Craters Of The Moon:
NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

Contrary to the observations of 19th-century explorers and emigrants, Craters of the Moon's volcanic environment supports a variety of wildlife. Nearly fifty types of mammals and more than one 140 bird species make their homes at the monument. Wildlife management has followed Park Service trends, evolving from manipulation to a more informed understanding of natural processes. Without the predators and therefore the traditional problems of predator control inherent to the bigger parks, Craters of the Moon managers have engaged in little direct manipulation of native animals. Protection programs instead have focused on preventing poaching of the monument's high-profile mule deer herd. Because of its visibility and attraction to both hunters and visitors, the herd has been the predominant wildlife management concern; its protection encompasses issues involving revision of northern boundary, law enforcement, research, and cooperation with other local and federal agencies. Another less volatile wildlife issue pertains to the reintroduction of two extirpated species, one known historically to have existed in the monument, big horn sheep, and the other known to have been actively eliminated by early managers, porcupine. [177]