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Defenders in Action: Judge Halts Wolf Killing in Rockies
Wolves in the northern Rockies got a temporary reprieve this summer when a U.S. District Court judge placed animals in the region back under federal protection pending the outcome of a court case that challenges the wolf’s delisting.
Defenders, represented by Earthjustice attorneys, sued the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in March, seeking to reverse the agency’s decision to delist (strip Endangered Species Act protection from) wolves in the Rockies. Between March 28, when delisting occurred, and the preliminary injunction in July, at least 100 wolves were killed in the northern Rockies.
Defenders believes the government’s move to delist wolves and turn over management to the states in the region is premature because existing state plans do not ensure the long-term conservation of wolves. Wyoming’s policy allows wolves to be shot on sight, year-round and for no particular reason in 88 percent of the state. State management plans in Idaho and, to a lesser extent, in Montana also do not adequately protect wolves. For example, under Idaho’s plan, wolves can be killed for simply annoying or worrying livestock.
“We’re very pleased with the decision to restore federal protections to wolves in the northern Rockies until the ongoing case is ultimately decided,” says Suzanne Stone, Defenders’ northern Rockies wolf representative. “This is a very important first step since it stops the continued and almost indiscriminate killing of wolves under the states’ management plans that could put the long-term recovery of the wolf at risk.”
Learn more about Northern Rockies and Yellowstone Area Wolves.
