Friday, October 7, 2011

Wyoming wolf hunt could resume

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service endorses state proposal

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By KATHERINE WUTZ
Express Staff Writer

Wyoming wolves, the last segment of the Rocky Mountain population to be protected under federal law, could lose that protection if a proposed rule is approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The agancy has proposed removing Wyoming gray wolves from listing under the Endangered Species Act, pending approval of a state wolf management plan by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission.

The proposed Wyoming plan, introduced in detail in August, allows for wolves to be shot on sight outside of the Trophy Game Management Area and Yellowstone National Park.

However, the management area will be extended about 50 miles to the south from its current location on the Wyoming/Idaho border from Oct. 15 through Feb. 28 to protect wolves crossing between states.

Wyoming will be required to manage for a population of at least 10 breeding pairs and at least 100 wolves outside of Yellowstone National Park. The plan must be approved by the state legislature, which will not convene until January.

The plan has come under attack by wolf advocates, as it allows wolves to be killed on sight in more than 90 percent of the state. Conservation group Defenders of Wildlife says this will not allow a sustainable wolf population.

"We expect our nation's wildlife agency to uphold our commitment to good stewardship of our lands and wildlife, not rubber-stamp an irresponsible wolf management plan for the sake of political expediency," said Jamie Clark, president of the organization.

Katherine Wutz: kwutz@mtexpress.com

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