Researchers recommend independent review of wolf mortality rate in state
Associated Press
MADISON, Wis. – A group of scientists are warning federal wildlife officials that the state Department of Natural Resources’ wolf population estimates are faulty.
The researchers sent a letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service last month saying the DNR under-reported the 2012-2013 wolf mortality rate and hasn’t factored in how hunting wolves with hounds will affect the overall population.
The researchers, led by UW-Madison’s Adrian Treves, recommended an independent review of wolf mortality in the state. They also called for relisting the wolf as endangered and USFWS to demand Wisconsin officials present their data clearly in a standardized format.
Spokesmen for the DNR and the USFWS’ Midwest region didn’t immediately return messages.