Farmers Union pleased that gray wolf is removed from endangered species list

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that gray wolves in the Western Great Lakes region have recovered and no longer require protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The removal of federal protection will impact wolves in Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and parts of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Ohio.

“Farmers in Minnesota will welcome this decision because it will help protect against predation of farm animals and pets,” said Doug Peterson, Minnesota Farmers Union President. “Minnesota Farmers Union worked with Senator Klobuchar, Senator Franken and the congressional delegation on getting the gray wolf de-listed. It shows what can be done when we work together. I thank the senators for their help and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for this decision.”

Minnesota has developed a plan to manage wolves after federal protection is removed. Currently, it is estimated that Minnesota has 2,921 wolves.

Wolf populations will be monitored for at least five years to ensure the species continues to thrive. If it appears, at any time, that the gray wolf cannot sustain itself without the protections of the ESA, the Service can initiate the listing process, including emergency listing.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has sent the final de-listing rule to the Federal Register, it will be published later this month, and it will become effective 30 days after publication.

Tags: minnesota news, news, updates, wolf, farm