The state of Wyoming is sticking to their guns in what they want as a wolf management program but the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service insists that the program doesn’t meet their standards to ensure the long range protection of the wolf. In short, Wyoming wants to protect the wolf inside Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. Outside that area, they would like you list the wolf as a predator, meaning it can be shot anytime.
The USFWS insists that at least 7 packs of wolves remain outside the park. Representatives have said that they would like the Feds to reduce the estimated 23 packs living outside Yellowstone down to a minimum of 10 packs before they de-list it. I don’t believe that is going to happen.
A compromise deal on wolf management is being discussed. The Feds offered to expand the region outside the parks where the wolf would be protected as a game animal but livestock owners say that would have a large negative affect on their cattle and sheep.
Montana and Idaho have approved wolf management plans and the USFWS has indicated they would proceed with de-listing the wolf in those states perhaps as early as next year.
Tom Remington
