House Approves Bill to Have Wolves Delisted From Endangered Species List
OutdoorHub Reporters 11.19.18
The U.S. House voted last week to pass a bill that would see wolves delisted from protections in the lower 48 states.
In addition, The Detroit News reports the Manage Our Wolves Act would also remove wolves from protections in the western Great Lakes area, including Michigan.
The matter is expected to be shut down upon arrival to the Senate, however.
Those opposed to the movement, which includes Michigan U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, say wolves are still in danger and “play a critical role in keeping ecosystems healthy and balanced.” On the other side of the aisle, Republicans argued on Friday that the wolf population has “recovered and is expanding, and that control of wolf management should be returned to the states.”
“This is not about hatred of fear of predators. This is about actually recognizing that the Endangered Species Act has done its job, and it’s time for the wolf to be delisted,” U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rogers, R-Washington stated.
The Fish and Wildlife Service is reviewing the wolves’ status and is expected to confirm an aqueduct recovery to be removed from the Endangered Species Act. A spokeswoman for the Fish and Wildlife Service said the agency is in the process of finishing a review of wolves’ status in the lower 48 states and expects to make a recommendation in the next couple months.
