HFW IN THE NEWS: Federal plans to lift wolf protections would trigger hunt
The Associated Press reported Wednesday that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will propose lifting protections for wolves across the Lower 48 states.
MADISON, Wis. — Lifting protections for gray wolves across most of the country would force Wisconsin wildlife officials to re-start wolf hunts.
The Associated Press reported Wednesday that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will propose lifting protections for wolves across the Lower 48 states.
Then-Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican, signed a bill in 2012 that requires the Department of Natural Resources to hold a wolf hunt. The agency held three hunts before a federal judge placed Great Lakes Wolves back on the endangered species list in 2014. The law remains valid, which means the DNR would have to reinstate the season if protections are lifted.
A spokeswoman for Democratic Gov. Tony Evers didn't immediately respond to an email.
The DNR estimated as many as 944 wolves roamed the state last winter.
Dr. Maureen Hackett, founder and president of Howling For Wolves, issued a statement on Wednesday saying:
“Removal from the Endangered Species List means wolves will lose federal protections and states may allow senseless wolf trophy hunting, which is a death sentence and the road to extinction for the wolf. Many state officials will disregard the damage that wolf-killing has on the population, the pack structure, and the wolves' genetic diversity. Wolves die in many ways when they lose federal protections, and this harms the long-term survival of wolves for future generations.”
AUTHOR: ASSOCIATED PRESS
March 6, 2019