Legal Challenge to Wolf Delisting is Irrational
By Frank Priestley, President - Idaho Farm Bureau
The reintroduction of Canadian gray wolves into Idaho, Wyoming and Montana is arguably one of the most successful projects of its kind ever undertaken. In just over 12 years, these incredibly efficient predators multiplied over 15 times the number reintroduced, far exceeding what the top federal biologists predicted.
In spite of the fact that the top federal wolf biologists agree the population is recovered, 11 environmental groups are mounting a logic-defying legal challenge, arguing the wolf population is not yet sustainable. This lawsuit could stall the delisting process for several months or even years, while the wolf population continues to escalate exponentially. According to FWS estimates, Idaho’s wolf population has grown by 20 percent in each of the last two years.
The wolf population achieved its recovery goal of 30 breeding pairs and 300 total wolves in the three-state region over five years ago. Today’s numbers stand at over 100 breeding pairs and over 1,500 total wolves, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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