Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe had this to say: “Gray wolves are thriving in the Great Lakes region, and their successful recovery is a testament to the hard work of the Service and our state and local partners. We are confident state and tribal wildlife managers in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin will effectively manage healthy wolf populations now that federal protection is no longer needed."
While initially concerned with the well-being of the wolf population, it soon occurred to me that my worry was misplaced.
The wolves can certainly take care of themselves. I think the cows and other livestock should be scared. While the respective DNR offices may decide to allow a wolf season, the open season for wolves as predators is never ending. Ranchers and farmers have always been allowed to (attempt to) take down wolves seen in the vicinity of livestock. This move by the federal government will only empower our brave wolves to take down more game.
To further investigate the situation up north, we are dispatching a seasoned reporter. He will be contributing future posts from the epicenter of this decision.
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