From the Mackinac Center for Public Policy:
Few issues can provoke as intense or immediate passion as removing protections for an animal under the Endangered Species Act — also known as delisting — or the conservation of charismatic megafauna — large, easily recognizable plant or animal species. The decision to delist Michigan’s gray wolf population, and to transfer their management back into the hands of the states, hits both of those sensitive areas.
Wolves are native to Michigan, and they were once found throughout the state. But aggressive predator control programs in the 19th and 20th centuries, including a state-paid bounty, caused them to nearly die out. To stave off extirpation, or their total loss in Michigan, wolves were placed under full state protections, and they also were listed under the federal Endangered Species Act in 1973.
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Managing Michigan’s: Wolves Is it time to reinstate a hunt?
From the Mackinac Center for Public Policy:
Few issues can provoke as intense or immediate passion as removing protections for an animal under the Endangered Species Act — also known as delisting — or the conservation of charismatic megafauna — large, easily recognizable plant or animal species. The decision to delist Michigan’s gray wolf population, and to transfer their management back into the hands of the states, hits both of those sensitive areas.
Wolves are native to Michigan, and they were once found throughout the state. But aggressive predator control programs in the 19th and 20th centuries, including a state-paid bounty, caused them to nearly die out. To stave off extirpation, or their total loss in Michigan, wolves were placed under full state protections, and they also were listed under the federal Endangered Species Act in 1973.
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Status of Wisconsin Wolf Population Discussed
From wxpr.org in Wisconsin:
The Department of Natural Resources’ Wolf Management Plan Committee addressed the condition of Wisconsin’s wolf population Thursday.
During the meeting, DNR Large Carnivore Specialist Randy Johnson showed a map showing wolves well established in northern Wisconsin.
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Colorado: Wolf restoration listening session coming to Gunnison on July 22
From the Ark Valley Voice in Colorado:
Wolves aren’t yet permanent residents in Central Colorado, even though a pack has been documented in the far northwest corner of the state. Before wolves arrive in the area, the public will have an opportunity to provide feedback, share their opinions, and ask questions.
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and Keystone Policy Center will host a listening session from 5 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 22 in Gunnison.
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Mexico: Birth of Chapultepec wolf pups gives boost to breeding program
From MexicoNewsDaily.com:
The birth of five gray wolf pups at Mexico City’s Chapultepec Zoo in early April marked another step in the efforts to reintroduce the endangered species back into the wild.
The three males and two females are part of a four-decade, bi-national breeding program between the United States and Mexico.
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Opponents of controversial Idaho wolf law say they’ll sue state over the legislation
From the Idaho Statesman:
Several conservation groups announced Monday that they intend to sue Idaho over the state’s controversial wolf law passed earlier this year, which the groups say could put other endangered species at risk.
A news release from the Center for Biological Diversity said it would join nine other groups in suing Idaho if it does not repeal a law passed in May that expands wolf hunting and trapping opportunities. The other organizations listed in the notice of intent are Footloose Montana, Friends of the Clearwater, International Wildlife Coexistence Network, Nimiipuu Protecting the Environment, Sierra Club, Trap Free Montana Public Lands, Western Watersheds Project, Wilderness Watch and Wolves of the Rockies.
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DNA assay aids in identifying and protecting North American wolves, coyotes
From sciencedaily.com:
Forensics specialists can use a commercial assay targeting mitochondrial DNA to accurately discriminate between wolf, coyote and dog species, according to a new study from North Carolina State University. The genetic information can be obtained from smaller or more degraded samples, and could aid authorities in prosecuting hunting jurisdiction violations and preserving protected species.
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Western United States tribal leaders oppose new wolf hunting laws
From the Cache Valley Daily:
BILLINGS, MT. – Indigenous activists have joined the growing crusade to restore federal protection for wolves throughout the Intermountain West.
As part of their broad campaign opposing plans by the states of Idaho, Wyoming and Montana to drastically reduce their wolf populations, the Global Indigenous Council (GIC) released a short film entitled “Family” in early July.
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Belgium: Wolves August and Noëlla had at least five cubs
From The Brussels Times:
The wolves August and Noëlla had at least five cubs this year, according to an announcement from the Institute for Nature and Forest Research (INBO).
The updates on the wolves are gleaned from nature cameras, which occasionally catch the popular predators.
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Idaho: Ranchers debate the effectiveness of non-lethal deterrents on wolves
From KMVT.com:
HAILEY, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) —The new wolf law went into effect earlier this month, and it allows increased hunting opportunities on private land year-round, which has some ranchers optimistic it will lead to a reduction in livestock depredation by wolves. However, some in the Wood River Valley feel the law is an overreach and there is a better way.
Brian Bean is the owner of Lava Lake Lamb out of Blaine County, and he said he is no stranger to livestock depredation by wolves. His operation had some tough years in 2003 and 2004.
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Groups File Promise to Challenge Idaho’s New Harmful Wolf Hunting Laws
From Earthjustice:
BOISE, IDAHO — Citing risk to federally protected species, today ten groups filed a notice of intent to sue the state of Idaho in response to the state’s newest wolf hunting laws.
The laws, which call for the killing of 90% of the current gray wolf population, allow for year-round untargeted methods of hunting, trapping, and snaring, with hunters and trappers allowed to kill an unlimited number of wolves on a single tag. The state’s authorization of an unlimited season and expanded methods of killing wolves is likely to cause incidental trapping and snaring of federally protected lynx and grizzly bears.
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