Gray Wolf Removed From Endangered Species Act

Federal wildlife officials removed the gray wolf from the U.S. Endangered Species Act list on Thursday, saying the wolf population has recovered and the animal no longer needs federal protection. With removal from the ESA list, state governments now have the authority to manage gray wolf populations and prevent livestock losses in accordance with state law. Minnesota Congressman Collin Peterson, Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, supported the delisting by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. “Federal protections restored healthy gray wolf populations years ago, and this rule appropriately returns the management of gray wolves to the states," Peterson said. "For years, I have called for this change on behalf of livestock owners and rural communities in Minnesota. This final rule allows Minnesota to set rules and protections for gray wolves that are more responsive to the needs of local communities.” A Department of Interior news release claimed that "no administration in history" has recovered more imperiled species in its first term than the Trump administration. Since 2017, the administration has delisted 14 species after finding them "fully recovered." The latest decision removes federal protection for the gray wolf – which has a population believed to be about 6,000 – in the Lower 48 states. Alaska's wolves are not considered endangered and Hawaii doesn't have wolves. Wolves in the northern Rocky Mountain area are already delisted. The Mexican wolf remains listed under the Endangered Species Act...MORE