Oregon wildlife agency recommends delisting endangered wolves

Oregon’s wolf population has recovered to the point where it no longer needs protection under the state endangered species act, according to Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife. In a staff report released Thursday, the organization recommends the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission remove gray wolves from the state endangered species list Nov. 9 when the commission meets in Salem. Eastern Oregon ranchers have anticipated delisting wolves for months, though environmental advocates say the agency’s recommendation isn’t supported by science, law or public opinion. ODFW’s own staff scientists say the wolf population should continue to grow steadily, and there is less than a 1 percent chance the species would go extinct over the next 50 years. There are at least 81 wolves and 16 groups or packs located throughout the state. However, environmental groups argue the findings are based on flawed modeling and have not been reviewed by an outside independent scientific panel as required by law...more