Back in March 2007 wolves in the Midwest were “delisted.” The Midwest consist of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. What this means is that the wolves were taken off the federally protected “Endangered Species List” and turned over to the responsibility of the state governments. The states have had a year and a half of trying to come up with a plan to satisfy conservationist, landowners, and state game managers.
In the meantime the Humane Society of the United States, and other animal rights groups, filed suit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service saying their action was “premature.” Judge Paul Friedman, on September 29th. of 2008 ruled against the USFWS, and the wolves were again put on the Endangered Species List. The Federal government was again in charge of this “threatened” species, and it’s encroaching population.
The original numbers for a viable gray wolf population for Minnesota were 1250- 1400 wolves. The Federal plan called for at least 100 wolves roaming Wisconsin and Michigan. That goal has been surpassed by an alarming rate, and the hands of sound game management have been “tied again!” Minnesota has a burgeoing population of over 3000 wolves, and had planned a public hunt, this year, to reduce the numbers. Wisconsin has an estimated population of 400 wolves, while Michigan has a growing population of 500. Both states are well beyond the original goal.
That states are at odds over how to handle nuisance wolf complaints. Ron Refsnider, a wolf recovery expert, has stated that the judges decision was not based on sound biological evidence. The animal rights groups are gloating over their victory, but in the end it may do much more harm to the wolves than sound game management of a targeted viable population.
The above picture is of a wolf track I came across about 1/2 mile behind the Baldwin bear camp. The track measured 4″ across, and was mixed in with bear, racoon, beaver, and other smaller tracks on a wild game highway. Dick Baldwin has actually seen a wolf in this area, and said it was black as a bear. I have seen two wolves here in Michigan. One while driving through Seney on highway 77, and the other while hunting in Crystal Falls. Both of these animal were your typical greyish/brown in color. For all intents and purposes it appears that the range of the gray wolf is expanding and could soon tip the balance of nature in an unwanted direction.
Sounds like you have the same problem we do out here. They are especiallly devastating to the moose and elk population. Hopefully sanity will overcome in the end.
I hope someone eventually looks at the scientific evidence and decides to make a good sound scientific decision.
I have yet to see a wolf. I think it would be pretty cool, though. I believe that the DNR is looking for someone who killed one recently? If memory serves me right.