Congress boosts funds for wolf control
By daily news staff
Wisconsin is among three states allocated additional federal funds for wolf depredation control.
The federal budget for fiscal year 2003 contains $1.05 million for state wolf control programs affecting northern Wisconsin, northern Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Congress passed the new federal budget last week. Seventh District Congressman Dave Obey said he lobbied to increase the funding from the $750,000 that was initially proposed. Last year the federal agencies provided only $5,000 for wolf control in Wisconsin — “a level so low that it was impossible for the DNR to adequately meet Wisconsin’s needs,” he said.
The Wisconsin DNR estimates there are 350 wolves in northern Wisconsin. With the growth in their numbers have come increased attacks on livestock and on hunting dogs that wolves encounter in their territories.
The DNR investigates and documents wolf attacks and assists in resolving complaints, including capturing and relocating wolves. The state agency also compensates domestic animal owners for their losses caused by wolf attacks.