WG&F starts wolf line/webpage
by Wyoming Game and Fish Department
March 5, 2008
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department established a Wolf Information phone number and an online list of Frequently Asked Question to address questions and concerns regarding wolves and wolf management in Wyoming.
Last week the US Fish and Wildlife Service announced that it would remove wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountain Distinct Population Segment from the federal List of Threatened and Endangered Species. Once wolves are delisted, they will be under management authority of the states.
"That announcement has spurred a flurry of questions from people across the state. So we have listed answers to the most common questions on our website, and we have also set up a special Wolf Information phone number to answer questions," said Eric Keszler, public information officer for the department. "People can visit our website any time, or dial 307-777-4655 during regular business hours."
"One of the most important things for people to understand is that wolves have not been delisted yet," said Keszler.
Under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act, management authority for wolves in Wyoming, a portion of Montana, and Idaho will transition to the states 30 days after publication of the final delisting rule. The US Fish and Wildlife Service published the final delisting rule on February 27. That means states could assume management authority for wolves as early as March 28, 2008. However, a number of groups have filed a 60-day notice of intent to file a lawsuit challenging the Service's delisting rule, and it is possible that the transition to state management could be delayed as a result of a lawsuit.
"We'll continue to provide updated information and news as delisting progresses," said Keszler. "In the meantime, we urge people to visit our website or call us to make sure they understand the current status of wolves and what that might mean for ranchers, hunters, and others."
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