Yes they have but we have the freedom to hunt theses animals. While that may not make much of a dent in the population it is the perception they can be controlled (to some degree) if we so choose to. Wolves however have been forced on us, a hybrid variety that was not even indigenous to the NW, along with an oppressive, arrogant and overbearing manner of management that threatens harsh punishment if they are not treated with an almost god-like respect. I don't believe it is the wolves so much as the manner in which they're 'reintroduction' has been forced upon us.
Historically this is true but with wolves it is case of 'implied' fear. The fear being the assumption the wolves will eventually become uncontrollable and we will not be able to do anything about it, or if we do face unreasonable legal reprisal. Now if a bear or cougar were to threaten a person I doubt there would be many legalities to deal with if it had to be justifiability killed to protect human life but if it were a wolf I am sure the litigation would go on until the next presidential election. For whatever reason the wolf has been elevated to a level of importance almost incomprehensible for most people, except the few who were/are instrumental in their introduction.
