The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) expressed support for today’s proposal by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to remove the gray wolf from the list of threatened and endangered species. The livestock associations added, however, that Mexican wolves in the southwest also should be delisted. In their announcement, FWS stated that the Mexican wolf will remain on the list of endangered species.
The wolf, placed on the list of endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) more than three decades ago, has far surpassed FWS recovery goals across the country, according to NCBA President and Wyoming rancher, Scott George. He added that, unlike most other species listed under the ESA, wolves pose a serious threat to wildlife, humans and private property, especially livestock.
“It’s time to turn management over to the states,” said George. “Wolf depredation of livestock is increasing to untenable levels in areas where wolves are still protected. We were given relief in Wyoming when it was finally delisted here. It’s only fair to allow all producers across the country that same relief.”
According to FWS, the proposal to delist the gray wolf comes after a “comprehensive review confirmed its successful recovery following management actions undertaken by federal, state and local partners.” FWS added, however, that it intends to maintain protection status and expand recovery efforts for the Mexican wolf in the southwest.