Wolf protections remain intact in Great Lakes & Western regions

Howling For Wolves thanks secretary Haaland & director Williams for protecting wolves.

This week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) upheld vital Endangered Species Act protections for the wolf, rejecting petitions by hunting organizations (Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, Michigan Bear Hunters Association, Upper Peninsula Bear Houndsmen Association and Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association) to delist wolves in the Western Great Lakes and West Coast regions. We are heartened by this decision which ensures continued federal safeguards for Great Lakes wolves and wolves across the country. By denying the petition, FWS strongly signals that more work is needed to protect wolves before states can take over their recovery.

This vital choice reflects leadership grounded in science, ethics, and a commitment to safeguarding wildlife amid mounting environmental threats. We at Howling For Wolves thank Secretary Deb Haaland, Director Martha Williams, and the Fish and Wildlife Service for standing firm in defense of sound science and ethical wildlife management.

As wildfires rage, damaging habitats, wildlife, and essential resources like clean air and water, we are grateful for this decision to protect wolves. Wolves require continued vigilance by state agencies— including the Minnesota DNR— as they continue to face cruel treatment even with federal protections. If Great Lakes wolves were to be delisted now, the DNR would face irrational calls to hold wolf hunts. Even now, illegal wolf killing is almost impossible to stop.

This decision helps to encourage the Minnesota DNR to continue the fight to protect wolves.

We urge the Minnesota DNR and all states to remain vigilant against illegal wolf killing and to continue robust protections at the state level including more nonlethal conflict prevention methods. Together, we can protect wolves for future generations across the Great Lakes and beyond.

Want to thank Director Williams? Call 1-800-344-WILD to express gratitude to the FWS for standing up for wolves and sound wildlife stewardship.

We can all smile for wolves with this victory.

#LiveAndLetHowl,

Dr. Maureen Hackett
Founder, Howling For Wolves