The US Forest Service has approved a controversial plan to use a helicopter and shooters to cull feral cows in the Gila Wilderness, the country’s first designated wilderness area. Environmental groups have raised concerns over the impact of nearly 150 unbranded livestock on the area’s sensitive ecosystems, but ranchers have criticized the decision, claiming it violates federal regulations and could lead to rotting carcasses.
The plan, which involves closing off a section of the Gila Wilderness and searching for feral cows in rugged terrain over four days, has been authorized due to the cows’ impact on streams and rivers, as well as their aggression towards visitors and trampling of stream banks and springs. Forest Supervisor Camille Howes described the decision as difficult but necessary.
