Wildlife and People

Bill Introduced to Delist Gray Wolves Nationwide

Chaffetz to Push Legislation Removing Gray Wolf from Consideration under Endangered Species Act

Rep. Jason Chaffetz (UT-3) Press Release, September 22, 2010 [here]

Washington, DC — Today, Congressman Jason Chaffetz announced he will seek to remove the gray wolf from the Endangered Species Act. Rep. Chaffetz joins Democrat Congressman Chet Edwards in supporting HR 6028, which would ask Congress to amend the 1973 act “to prohibit treatment of the Gray Wolf as an endangered species or threatened species.” The move comes in response to a recent court ruling effectively reinstating endangered status for the wolf in the entire western United States.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) first issued the decision to delist the wolf in 2008, after the species had met recovery goals of 30 breeding pairs and 300 wolves for eight consecutive years. Wildlife biologists estimate there are 1,700 wolves in several western states. Wolves were first placed on the endangered species list in 1974.

“Wolf populations have grown significantly since first receiving protection under the Endangered Species Act,” said Chaffetz. “They have grown well beyond their target populations. The wolf is devastating wildlife populations and cattle. This is a vital issue to farmers, ranchers, sportsmen and outdoor recreationists. It is appropriate to have the wolf delisted at this time.”

Bipartisan recommendations by both the Obama and Bush Administrations have recommended the de-listing of wolves and turning their management over to the state wildlife agencies.

“We need to ensure that wildlife management plans are retained at the state level rather than the federal level,” said Chaffetz.

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