CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Federal wildlife managers are soliciting public comment on a plan that could see an end to federal protections for Wyoming wolves as soon as next year.
Gov. Matt Mead and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar reached agreement this summer on a plan to turn management of Wyoming’s wolves over to the state. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has set a meeting for Tuesday in Riverton to collect public comments on the proposal.
Under the agreement, Wyoming would classify wolves as unprotected predators that could be shot on sight in most areas. Wolves would be protected as trophy game animals in a flexible zone outside Yellowstone.
Some environmental groups say they intend to voice concerns about the plan at Tuesday’s meeting. They say wolves should be protected across the state.