Elk NetworkWisconsin Wolf Population 200 Percent above Objective

A minimum population of 905 to 944 wolves wanders across Wisconsin’s landscape. That’s according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
The latest figures are well above the Wisconsin state plan that calls for 350 wolves outside of reservations.
“The Endangered Species Act did its job–its protections were instrumental in allowing this species to successfully reestablish itself within our wildlife community,” said Scott Walter, DNR large carnivore ecologist. “However, the population has been well above established recovery goals for two decades and there is no biological reason for wolves to remain on the endangered species list. Federal delisting would allow more flexibility in dealing with issues like wolf depredation of livestock and pets and divert important endangered species funding and resources to the conservation of species that are truly at risk.”
Wolves in Wisconsin remain listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act and management authority is held by the federal government. Federal listing status restricts state management, including any lethal wolf management tools.
(Photo source: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources)