Kline bill would delist wolves

Wolves in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan would be removed from protection under the federal Endangered Species Act, under a bill introduced Monday in the U.S. House by three Minnesota representatives. "Wolf attacks have become an increasing concern for farmers and livestock producers in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, where the overpopulation of gray wolves is directly linked to the decline of livestock and other animals," said Rep. John Kline, R-Minn., chief author. Reps. Collin Peterson, a Democrat, and Chip Cravaack, a Republican, are co-sponsors. The bill would return management of the wolves to the states. Federal officials previously said they expect to "delist" the wolf by the end of 2011. [link]