News-Miner Editorial
Mourning howl
Biologist left a remarkable record documenting wolves
Published Tuesday, October 20, 2009
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Stumble It!Gordon Haber regularly offered controversial viewpoints during his long career as a wolf researcher, but even those who didn’t always agree with his conclusions could admire his dedication to the study of wolves. His death in a plane crash last week deprives Alaska and the country of a fervent and dedicated voice in the debates about wildlife management policy.
The editorial board of this newspaper rarely agreed with Haber about wolves. He frequently advocated bans on hunting and trapping and the end of state control efforts, and he often did so with unconcealed contempt for those who disagreed with him.
To some people, this sort of behavior automatically put him in the “loopy lefty” category. Haber was a much more complicated character than that, though. He didn’t publicly advertise his personal views beyond the wolf debates, but those views didn’t always follow in lockstep with the environmental organizations that employed him. Like many Alaskans, he was too independent, skeptical and cantankerous to be pigeon-holed so easily.
Outside all the debates, Haber still can and should be remembered for his unparalleled dedication to wolves. Alaskans can see that dedication through his blog, www.alaskawolves.org, which remains online. There, Haber left a remarkable photographic and narrative record of his observations.
Haber’s final posting, from Oct. 1, was typical. While circling in an aircraft above a small group of wolves in late August, he photographed a yearling wolf helping three pups cross a fast-moving river channel. The pictures give a fascinating glimpse into one small moment in the world of wolves.
Haber used his blog in part to call attention to what he saw as mistaken policies and conclusions on the part of state and federal agencies and even allies in the environmental movement. “There are major problems for wolves in Alaska and elsewhere from heavy government-sanctioned killing, including with the use of airplanes and snowmobiles,” he wrote in one of his milder assertions.
But he also wanted the blog to convey the state of wonder in which he found himself even after 40 years of watching wolves. “I am still in awe at what I see out there,” he wrote. “Wolves enliven the northern mountains, forests and tundra like no other creature, helping to enrich our own stay on the planet simply by their presence as other highly advanced societies in our midst.”
To Haber and many people, those were reasons enough to protect wolves from human hunting. Other people, even those who might disagree with that conclusion, can still appreciate his life’s work.
Community Discussion
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"The editorial board of this newspaper rarely agreed with Haber about wolves."
Yeah, and no one on the Editorial Board had the decades of in- the-field experience or academic credentials of this Phd. scientist.
Why not at least have the decency to address Gorden by his professional title; Dr. Gorden Haber? Many would see this omission as a deliberate slight given your past disagreements.
P-A-F It's no more nor less a slight than the omission of the title of former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton or George Bush that is frequently done by their detractors.
DNM Staff,
Are you sure you want to open this topic for general discussion? This could turn extremely nasty extremely fast; if you're going to do this, I would urge that you keep a close (and critical) eye on it...
I appreciate the respect you show this man and his dedication. There are many scholars and scientists on the UAF campus who deserve the same
treatment and coverage while they are alive to appreciate it. Why not
visit your neighbors and show them off to your loyal readers?
Death can come to you when you least expect it. At least he was able to make his profession his passion. RIP.
I'm sure the wolves will howl a farewell to Gordon!!
May his soul run with the wolves,
in a sweet heaven.
I know I risk the strong possibility of offending more than one reader here, but I think that in this case, the most appropriate end to this story would have been that Haber's remains were fed to the wolves. I think he might have agreed.
I strongly disagreed with most of what Mr. Haber proposed, especially expanding park boundaries and establishing "psuedo" parks outside Denali's boundaries. That being said he was a sharp guy and truely dedicated to his cause. Alaska is a big place. We have room for a few Gordon Habers. RIP.
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson
about a battle that goes on inside people.
He said, "My son, the battle
is between two wolves inside us all.
"One is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy,
sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment,
inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and
ego.
"The other is Good -
It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness,
benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and
faith."
The grandson
thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which
wolf wins?"
The old
Cherokee simply replied, "The one you
feed."
Haber was awesome- taught me a lot. He was passionate,his research was solid, and he was a great guy.
Wow, very nice Prospector. I'm glad that folks are exercising self restraint here. It speaks well of the adage "never speak ill of the deceased" Although I probably didn't agree with much of what Doctor Haber represented, I appreciate his passion for his beliefs.
I found some of Haber's views far too extreme for my tastes, and when he was busted for tampering with a trapline years ago I didn't take his side. But he had a level of tenacity rarely seen. He stood his ground no matter how heavy the criticism got. And I suspect he received his share of death threats. A lesser man (or woman) would have backed down. He had courage. That can't be denied.
I can respect Dr. Haber for the courage and dedication to working hard for what he believed.
I disagree with his stance, but I can certainly respect his determination toward achieving it.
Can't wait 'til Samm and Shokd weigh in on this.
I wonder what happened to cause the accident? Any word from the pilot?
RIP...even though wolves are a menace and kill everything they can sink their teeth into, it is good to see that kind of dedication.
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