DNR Concerned About Growing Wolf Population
By Jeff Alexander
Reports of wolf sightings in east-central Wisconsin are on the rise. State wildlife managers say that’s further proof they should have the authority to control the growing wolf population.
A photograph taken in late December near Little Sturgeon Bay in Door County is the latest in a string of wolves caught on camera.
Even though Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologists estimate the state’s wolf population at more than 600, and well above goal, their hands are tied.
“Unfortunately there’s federal oversight at this time, so until that is resolved we don’t have management authority here in Wisconsin,” DNR wildlife biologist Aaron Buchholz said.
Despite efforts by the federal government to remove wolves in Wisconsin from the Endangered Species List, lawsuits by environment groups have brought those efforts to a halt.
According to Buchholz, the federal protection could end up hurting wolves in the long run.
“I think the social acceptance for wolves in Wisconsin will continue to deteriorate, actually, because we cannot address some of the problems that are out there,” he said. “There continues to be depredation to livestock every year.”
Buchholz says the increased sightings around the state have even led to rumors the DNR is stocking wolves, which he says is absolutely false.
Instead, he says, it’s a case of the wolf population growing from near extinction to beyond DNR goals, and right now there’s nothing anyone can do to stop it.