DNR opposes new federal plan to reocgnize two species of wolves

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Gray Wolf

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MINOCQUA - A new federal plan to recognize two species of wolves would hurt Wisconsin’s effort to manage the animal’s growing population. That’s what DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp said yesterday at a forum on the subject in Minocqua.

The U.S. Fish-and-Wildlife Service is trying for a third time to remove Midwest grey wolves from the federal endangered species list. Two previous delistings allowed Wisconsin to adopt its own management plan, which does a better job of controlling problem wolves that attack farm animals and crops. But under the federal government’s new plan, two types of wolves would be recognized for the first time. And an eastern species that’s in the Badger State might continue to get federal protections. If that’s the case, Stepp and other DNR officials say it would pose a huge problem for Wisconsin. That’s because many wolves in the state are a mix of the two species, and the state has always treated wolves as one group. Also, Bill Horn of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance said environmentalists might use the new distinction to challenge the entire wolf delisting in court again.

State officials have tried for years to get a permanent management plan in place, as wolves continue to cause more damage. Among other things, eight hunting dogs have been killed by wolves in the state this year. Wisconsin has up to 824 wolves – and its original goal was to have just 350.

Tags: outdoors