DNR seeks to lift protections on gray wolves
By Lee Bergquist, Journal Sentinel, April 27, 2010 [here]
As the wolf population continues to grow, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources said Tuesday it is once again asking federal authorities to remove the gray wolf from a list of federal endangered species.
The agency said it has asked the U.S. Department of Interior for permission to reclassify the status of the wolf so state authorities would have more flexibility to control a burgeoning wolf population.
Wolves have historically been a flash point of controversy, and in recent years the gray wolf has been the subject of a series of court fights that has changed its protective status several times.
If the request is approved, problem wolves could be killed.
The decision could take months, or more, and in the interim, the DNR on Monday asked authorities for more authority to use lethal controls on wolves that have killed livestock and other animals.
See also:
New DNR study hopes to settle debate surrounding deer predators [here]
Minnesotans Sue to Delist Wolves [here]