Oregon Wolves Lose Endangered Species Protections

Conservationists question the science behind the state wildlife commission’s removal of protections for the predators.




A 72-pound female wolf of the Minam pack after being radio-collared on June 3, 2014. (Photo: Courtesy Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife)

http://www.takepart.com/article/2015/11/10/wolves-delisted-oregon?cmpid=tpdaily-eml-2015-11-10

NOV 10, 2015 Taylor Hill is an associate editor at TakePart covering environment and wildlife.

According to the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, 81 wolves are enough.

Less than a decade since gray wolves first returned to the state, officials on Monday voted 4–2 to remove endangered species protections for the animals.

The contentious decision came during a 10-hour wildlife commission meeting, which saw 106 people testify for and against the delisting plan.

For Oregon’s wolves, the removal of endangered status at the state level shouldn’t have much of an immediate impact, as the state’s Wolf Management Plan only allows ranchers who own livestock killed by wolves to apply for permits to shoot them.

FULL story at link.