Wyoming's False Start on Wolf Management Trips up Idaho
A federal judge relisted wolves under the Endangered Species Act, precluding a wolf hunting season this fall in Idaho.
Gray wolf
In the latest plot twist in wolf management, a federal judge relisted wolves under the Endangered Species Act, precluding a wolf hunt this fall.
Both Idaho and Montana have wolf management plans that won approval from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and allowed wolves to be delisted and hunted in both states.
The problem is that Wyoming's plan allowed wolves to be shot on sight in 90% of the state. So the USFWS did not delist wolves there and no hunt could take place.
Under the Endangered Species Act, however, it is illegal to delist a species in one state if it remains listed next door.
While this may mean no formal wolf hunt in Idaho this fall, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game is looking at other options. Wolves can still be killed by Wildlife Services, a little-known federal agency tasked with removing unwanted coyotes and wolves, among other animals. In addition, IDFG is considering a "research hunt." Ranchers can still kill wolves threatening their livestock.
At the same time, Wyoming is moving forward with a lawsuit suing the USFWS for not accepting its wolf management plan.
Meanwhile, wolves keep being wolves.
