RAISE YOUR VOICE:
MAKE THE CALL

SAMPLE PHONE SCRIPT

Introduction

• Hello, my name is [NAME] and I am calling from [City, State]. I am calling to urge the Congressmember to publicly oppose Section 128 in the FY26 Department of Interior Appropriations bill that would roll back science-based wildlife protection for gray wolves.

Talking Points 1: We Are Watching You

• Of all the issues Congress is facing, this is not what we elected you to do. Wolves are good for our ecosystems and our local tourism economies and they are the very least of our country’s issues right now –– this is the worst way for you to spend valuable government time and resources. 

• The entire country is dealing with chaos. Killing wolves won’t fix produce inflation, won’t actually prevent rampant livestock deaths (caused by disease), and won’t win you votes. We’re tracking how you handle this issue, demanding you do the responsible thing with the power your constituents gave you, and we won’t let up. 

• We’re organized, we’re mobilized, you’re in our sights, and we will remember where you stood come the next election season.

Talking Points 2: Follow the Science

• The ESA was built on science, not political favors. That’s what made it successful– and that’s what we’re demanding now.

• Every major wildlife biologist and conservation expert agrees: wolves are essential to ecosystems. They maintain balance in the food chain, which enables proper plant growth, species breeding, and can even help with issues like animal-traffic collisions by keeping elk moving away from roads. Moreover, they cause less than 1% of livestock deaths –– if you really wanted to help farmers, you would ensure that the FDA is monitoring livestock diseases, like bird flu. Stripping wolves’ protections ignores the data and the science.

• Americans don’t care about political points that get you to the next midterm. We want to see our country’s wildlife survive and thrive for our kids and their kids to be able to appreciate.

• Politicians don’t get to rewrite biology on a whim. Let the experts design wildlife policy– not campaign donors or lobbyists.

Talking Points 3: Wolves are American icons

• Wolves are American symbols, the same as bald eagles and bison. Erasing them erases part of our collective American wild heritage.

• There are only around 6,000 wolves left in the bottom 48 states. There used to be millions. Endangered Species Act protections are the only reason we are able to maintain this pitifully low number. The American wild landscape was built with wolves and we have let them down. 

• No one travels to Yellowstone to see a strip mall. They go to see wolves. They’re part of our national identity– and our local economies.

• These animals lived here long before we did. They’re part of what makes America wild, untamed, and worth protecting.

Outro:

• Thank you for your time and consideration. Please publicly oppose Section 128 in the FY26 Department of Interior Appropriations bill. I will be watching your vote closely.

​

​

THINGS TO REMEMBER: 

• If you have a personal connection to the Member of Congress or where they represent, emphasize that. 

  • FROM THEIR STATE/DISTRICT: Talk about the animals that you have there because of the ESA and what it will do to your local economy, environment, ecotourism without protection. 

• If you have a personal connection to any of the key issues –– emphasize that. 

  • BUSINESS OWNERS: Talk about running a business that depends on outdoor recreation and how it could be hurt by losing ecological resources or tourist attractions. 

  • FARMERS/RANCHERS: If you are a farmer or rancher who depends on a healthy ecosystem with strong environmental protections describe how these protections (of species are eliminated it will disrupt the natural balance, if corporations are allowed to develop on crucial land unmitigated etc). 

• Enhance Your Call!

  • Howl!

  • Ask your child if they would like to call and share why they care about these animals!