Acting Interior Secretary David Bernhardt was expected to officially announce the delisting of gray wolves from Endangered Species protections within the lower 48 states.
The wolves number about 5,000 in the U.S. The Wisconsin DNR estimates more than 900 animals in the state. The wolves received endangered species protections in 1975. Wisconsin federal and state legislators praised the decision. U.S. Senator Ron Johnson, while applauding the decision, said the action most likely will be tied up in court. U.S. Representative Sean Duffy said the Trump Administration was following a process started in the Obama Administration. State Senator Tom Tiffany, in praising the move, said many state biologists think the wolf population here has recovered and needs state management. In 2012, Governor Scott Walker signed a bill requiring the DNR to hold a wolf hunt. Three hunts were before a federal judge placed Great Lakes wolves back on the endangered species list in 2014.
Several environmental and animal rights groups condemned the move, some saying the gray wolf has not returned to full strength in all parts of its historic range.
