Funds to help manage wolves
Thursday, February 27, 2003
WASHINGTON—About $1,050,000 in federal funding has been set aside to significantly expand the resources available to control wolf depredation in northern Wisconsin, northern Minnesota, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Rep. Dave Obey included the funds in the new federal budget for Fiscal Year 2003, passed by Congress.
The new resources mean that Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resource (DNR), which conducts the wolf control program throughout the state, would be eligible for a significant funding increase.
“Last year, federal agencies allocated to Wisconsin DNR only $5,000 for wolf control, a level so low that it was impossible for DNR to adequately meet Wisconsin’s needs,” said Obey. “This new infusion of resources will give us the resources to deal with the growing wolf population — and do the job right.”
The wolf population in northern Wisconsin has been growing steadily since 1985 and last year stood at about 250 animals. Earlier this year, those numbers were estimated to have grown to 350 wolves. With the growth in numbers there has been a growing number of attacks on livestock, including cattle, chickens, turkeys and other animals.
Unless the increasing number of wolf-related complaints is matched by an increase in resources, wildlife personnel simply would be unable to respond to all the requests for help.
The DNR is responsible for investigating and documenting wolf attacks and for providing assistance in resolving complaints, including capturing and relocating wolves.
As a federally-recognized endangered species, it is illegal to kill wolves in Wisconsin. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin DNR have a cooperative agreement to manage wolf problems in the area.