DNR Considering Wolf Hunt as Population Climbs
Reporter: Liz Hayes
Wisconsin’s wolf population is almost twice what the Dept. of Natural Resources had originally planned for, estimated at about 650.
To control the increasing population, the DNR is revising its wolf management plan and considering a trapping and rifle hunting season.
A Wausau wildlife biologist says the population is expanding for a number of reasons, including unlimited access to food.
Though some farmers and outdoor enthusiasts welcome the possibility of a hunt, others say no.
“Wolves are a species that a lot of people feel really passionate about. We have a lot of people that love wolves and would like to see that none of them are harmed or harvested in any way,” said Cortney Schaefer, of the DNR.
On the other hand, Schaefer says she often gets complaints about nuisance wolves that harm livestock and pets.
Last year in Wisconsin there were 167 complaints of wolves attacking livestock and pets. 39 problem wolves were captured.
But Schaefer says there’s never been a documented fatal wolf attack on a human in the U.S. There was one fatal attack in Canada.
If you do come across one in the wild, stare the animal down and look big. Usually the wolf will run away.
It’s also important to call the DNR right away and report what you saw.
Ultimately it will be up to the Natural Resources Board and Legislature to make a decision on making wolf trapping and hunting legal.