DNR removes wolf from list of threatened animals
Ron Seely Wisconsin State Journal
The gray wolf, once hunted until it became but a rumor in Wisconsin’s forests, was removed Wednesday from the state’s list of threatened animals by the Natural Resources Board.
“This really is a success story for Wisconsin’s natural heritage,” said Signe Holtz, director of the DNR’s Bureau of Endangered Resources. “This is really an exciting day.”
The number of wolves in Wisconsin has climbed steadily under a recovery program overseen by the agency. The wolf did much of the work on its own after it was placed on both the state and federal endangered species lists. Animals, nearly wiped out by trapping and poisoning in the 1950s, started moving again into the state’s protected wild lands, mostly from Minnesota. Recent population counts show their numbers at about 335.
The change in status does little to change how the wolf population will be managed. It is still on the state’s list of protected wild animals and can’t be hunted or trapped. Because the wolf has been removed from the federal endangered list, state wildlife officials can shoot problem wolves that kill livestock.
Removal of the wolf from the federal threatened species list, which is being considered, would allow the DNR to issue permits to landowners to shoot problem wolves.
George Meyer, director of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, urged the Natural Resources Board to consider managing the wolf as any other fur-bearing animal and allow trapping and hunting. Such a step will be necessary, he said, if the public is to continue supporting growing wolf populations.
Eric Koens, speaking for the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association, agreed.
“I think some sort of population control has to be part of the plan,” Koens said.
Holtz said a hunting or trapping season on wolves would require action by the state Legislature.