Wolves would continue to be protected under federal re-classification
PARK FALLS, Wis. — Reclassification of wolves by federal authorities would relax some restrictions on lethal control of problem animals, but would not allow private citizens to shoot wolves causing problems in Wisconsin, state wildlife officials say.
Federal reclassification of gray wolves by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may occur within the next few weeks to month according to Department of Natural Resources wolf biologist, Adrian Wydeven. Recent news reports on the federal reclassification contained information on a provision that would allow ranchers in western states to shoot problem wolves. That provision would not apply to wolves in the Midwest, Wydeven said.
“Wolves would be reclassified from Endangered to Threatened under this anticipated action,” says Wydeven. “The new classification would provide more flexibility for managing wolves in the state, but will not allow landowners to shoot wolves on their land.”
A threatened classification will allow DNR to lethally control problem wolves, but complete federal delisting would be required before landowners could shoot problem wolves. The Federal wildlife agency is expected to begin considering further delisting once the move from endangered to threatened is complete says Wydeven.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Adrian Wydeven (715) 762-3204 ext. 107