DNR Seeks Comments on State Wolf Management Plan
Wisconsin Ag Connection – 08/05/2004
With federal officials beginning the process to remove the gray wolf from the federal endangered species list in Wisconsin, state officials are seeking public input on any possible revisions or adjustments to the Wisconsin Wolf Management Plan. Last month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the start of the federal process to delist from the federal endangered and threatened species list gray wolves in Wisconsin and other areas of the eastern United States by 2005.
“We welcomes the action by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service to start the federal delisting process for wolves in the Eastern Distinct Population Segment, including Wisconsin,” said Department of Natural Resources Secretary Scott Hassett. “And we are committed to listening to people and addressing concerns about wolves, especially farmers, and hunters who have special concerns dealing with wolves. We will continue to maintain a citizen group of wolf stakeholders, and will provide opportunities for all citizens interested in wolves to have their voices heard concerning wolf management.”
Once federal delisting is completed, the Wisconsin Wolf Management Plan will determine how wolves will be managed in the state, according to Adrian Wydeven, DNR mammalian ecologist and wolf specialist.
The state Natural Resources Board approved removing the gray wolf from the state list of threatened species in March; wolves are currently listed in Wisconsin as protected wild animals. However, while the wolf is listed as a threatened species under federal rules, federal permits are required to euthanize any wolves that prey on livestock.
Once the wolf is removed from the federal list, wolves will still be protected under state law as a protected species, but state officials will be able to deal with problem wolves.