Governor Mark Gordon has issued a statement last week in response to an announcement from the US Fish and Wildlife Service that it will initiate a comprehensive status review of the gray wolf in the western U.S.
“They indicated in their public statement, they being the Fish and Wildlife Service, concerns with recent changes the states of Idaho and Montana have made to state management laws. We are aware though our strong partnership with both states that their wolf population have grown and remain far above minimums required for recovery.”
Gordon says he is confident the review will find Wyoming’s wolf management program has also been highly successful in meeting the state’s commitment to the long-term viability of wolves in Wyoming. Gordon says Wyoming has managed wolves according to its plan, and that plan has been sufficient to satisfy wolf population targets while allowing producers to take appropriate measures to protect livestock. He says the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s action is just another example of a federal action which attempts to usurp states’ authorities.”
