New wolf rules in the works
by Cat Urbigkit, Pinedale Online!
April 6, 2007
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wolf Recovery Coordinator Ed Bangs reported this
week that he has been working on a proposed modification to the 2005
experimental population 10j rule that would make it easier for states and tribes
with approved wolf management plans to remove (kill) wolves that were
impacting wild ungulate populations.
The modification would also allow anyone to kill any wolf that was attacking
riding or pack animals or dogs. Once the proposal is completed, it will be
published in the Federal Register and public comment and review will be
solicited, Bangs noted. After public comment is analyzed, it may be finalized.
According to Bangs, the modification would only allow the killing of wolves that
were impacting game populations in state with approved management plans and
at least 20 breeding pairs and 200 wolves.
FWS’s most recent estimate for the number of wolves in Wyoming is 311, with
10 breeding pairs in Yellowstone National Park and 15 pairs in the state outside
the park.
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