"The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Friday it plans to stop protecting the gray wolf and put the states in charge of managing these predators. But the plan is already facing some tough opposition from wolf advocate groups that say it’s too early for this discussion. EarthFix reporter Aaron Kunz explains."
"The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to take the gray wolf off the endangered species list because its recovery represents a success story. This is director Dan Ashe, talking with reporters on a conference call.
Ashe: 'Our analysis suggests that the gray wolf no longer faces the threat of extinction or requires the protection of the Endangered Species Act.'
But that’s not the way conservation groups see it. Some wildlife advocates are wondering what this means for states that don’t yet have wolves in big numbers like Oregon, Washington and Utah."
Aaron Kunz reports for Earthfix/Northwest Public Radio (Washington State University) June 10, 2013.
SEE ALSO:
"Government Plans To End Remaining Gray Wolf Protections Across Most of Lower 48" (Washington Post)
"Mexican Gray Wolves' Territory May Be Expanded" (USA TODAY)
"Gray Wolves Could Come Off U.S. Endangered Species List" (ENS)