Wolf controversy spurs a House bill that makes introducing non-native species a felony

The Idaho House voted 46-24 on Tuesday for House Bill 138, which applies to species threatening the safety of people, livestock, pets or property. The measure also allows civil lawsuits should such an animal injure or kill a person. The bill now goes to the Senate. It was prompted by hostility to the federal government's reintroduction of wolves in Idaho. An estimated 850 wolves are now in the state, though the state has had no reports of attacks on humans. President Barack Obama proposes removing Idaho wolves from the Endangered Species List, clearing the way for state management and hunting. GOP Rep. Lynn Luker, a Boise lawyer, said the bill would have no impact on the federal government or its agents because of sovereign immunity. "This causes more problems than it solves," Luker said. But the bill's author, Rep. Phil Hart, R-Athol, said it would discourage introduction of dangerous animals. "This causes more problems than it solves," Luker said. But the bill's author, Rep. Phil Hart, R-Athol, said it would discourage introduction of dangerous animals. "This is an attempt by the state to try to, if not prosecute somebody - maybe put them on warning," Hart said. Rep. Lenore Barrett, R-Challis, acknowledged the bill is flawed but said it is a worthwhile effort to protest the damage wolves have done to wildlife and livestock. "The wolf is a decimating, destroying machine," she said. Idaho Statesman