Interior Department Removes Northern Rocky Mountain Wolves from Endangered Species List
 

February 21, 2008
Contact:  Ed Bangs (406) 449-5225, x 204

                Joan Jewett (503) 231-6211

                Sharon Rose     (303) 236-4580

                Joshua Winchell (703) 358-2279

   The gray wolf population in the Northern Rocky Mountains is thriving and
   no longer requires the protection of the Endangered Species Act, Deputy
   Secretary of the Interior Lynn Scarlett announced today. As a result,
   the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will remove the species from the
   federal list of threatened and endangered species.

   “The wolf population in the Northern Rockies has far exceeded its
   recovery goal and continues to expand its size and range. States,
   tribes, conservation groups, federal agencies and citizens of both
   regions can be proud of their roles in this remarkable conservation
   success story,” said Scarlett, noting that there are currently more than
   1,500 wolves and at least 100 breeding pairs in Montana, Idaho, and
   Wyoming.

   Service-approved state management plans will provide a secure future for
   the wolf population once Endangered Species Act protections are removed
   and the states assume full management of wolf populations within their
   borders. The northern Rocky Mountain DPS includes all of Montana , Idaho
   and Wyoming , as well as the eastern one-third of Washington and Oregon ,
   and a small part of north-central Utah .

   “With hundreds of trained professional managers, educators, wardens and
   biologists, state wildlife agencies have strong working relationships
   with local landowners and the ability to manage wolves for the
   long-term,” said Lyle Laverty, Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife
   and Parks. “We’re confident the wolf has a secure future in the northern
   Rocky Mountains and look forward to continuing to work closely with the
   states as we monitor the wolf population for the next five years.”

   The minimum recovery goal for wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains was
   set at a minimum of 30 breeding pairs (a breeding pair represents a
   successfully reproducing wolf pack) and a minimum of 300 individual
   wolves for at least three consecutive years. This goal was achieved in
   2002, and the wolf population has expanded in size and range every year
   since.

   “These wolves have shown an impressive ability to breed and expand –
   they just needed an opportunity to establish themselves in the Rockies .
   The Service and its partners provided that opportunity, and now it’s
   time to integrate wolves into the states’ overall wildlife management
   efforts,” said Service Director H. Dale Hall.

   Gray wolves were previously listed as endangered in the lower 48 states,
   except in Minnesota , where they were listed as threatened.  The wolf
   population in the western Great Lakes was delisted in early 2007.  When
   the delisting of the Rocky Mountain population takes effect 30 days from
   its publication in the Federal Registeron February 27th, the Service
   will oversee the only remaining gray wolf recovery program, for the
   southwestern U.S. wolf population.  The delisting announced today
   affects only the northern Rocky Mountain population of gray wolves.
   Gray wolves found outside of the Rocky Mountain and Midwest recovery
   areas, including the southwest wolf population, remain protected under
   the Endangered Species Act and are not affected by actions taken today.

   For more information on northern Rocky Mountain gray wolves, visit
   www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/species/mammals/wolf/

   The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others
   to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their
   habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both
   a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known
   for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural
   resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For
   more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit
   www.fws.gov.
                                    - FWS-


          Questions and Answers about the Final Rule to Establish a
     Gray Wolf – Northern Rocky Mountain Distinct Population Segment and
      Remove from the Federal List of Threatened and Endangered Species

    IMPORTANT NOTE: the delisting of the northern Rocky Mountain gray wolf
   population becomes effective 30 days after the publication of the final
              rule in the Federal Register on February 27, 2008

   The wolf population in the northern Rocky Mountains (NRM) has exceeded
   its numerical, distributional, and temporal recovery goals every year
   since 2002.  The states of Montana , Idaho and Wyoming have made strong
   commitments to maintain wolf populations well above minimum recovery
   levels, likely managing the population between 900-1250 wolves.
   Therefore, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is designating a northern
   Rocky Mountain wolf Distinct Population Segment (DPS) that will include
   all of Montana Idaho, and Wyoming, the eastern third of Washington and
   Oregon, and a small corner of north-central Utah. This wolf population
   will be removed from the protection of the Endangered Species Act.

   Threats to the wolf population in the northern Rocky Mountain DPS have
   been eliminated, as evidenced by the population’s healthy annual growth
   and the written commitments for future wolf conservation made by
   Montana , Idaho , and Wyoming .  The Service will remove the entire DPS
   from the federal list of threatened and endangered species.  This final
   delisting action for the northern Rocky Mountain population will not
   affect the status of wolves in any other part of the United States .

      Why is Endangered Species Act protection no longer needed?

   The NRM wolf population no longer meets the legal requirements to remain
   listed under the Endangered Species Act (Act).  In late 2002, the wolf
   population achieved its recovery goal of at least 30 breeding pairs and
   more than 300 wolves well distributed among Montana , Idaho , and Wyoming
   for at least three consecutive years.  At that time there were an
   estimated 663 wolves in 49 breeding pairs.  The recovery goal has been
   exceeded every year since, and threats to the species have been
   addressed.  Currently, the wolf population in Montana , Idaho , and
   Wyoming exceeds 100 breeding pairs and 1,500 wolves.

      Does Wyoming now have an approved state law and wolf management plan?

   Yes, Wyoming state law was changed to give Wyoming Game and Fish
   Department the legal authority to maintain the wolf population of at
   least 15 breeding pairs and at least 150 wolves in mid-winter, including
   maintaining at least 7 wolf breeding pairs in suitable habitat in
   northwestern Wyoming outside the national parks – consistent with the
   requirements of the Act.  Service Director H. Dale Hall approved
   Wyoming ’s plan on December 15, 2007 , conditional on it becoming fully
   effective under Wyoming State law, which should happen in March 2008.
   The plan must be in effect before the delisting rule becomes effective
   30 days after its publication.

      Does this mean the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service will require wolf
      packs to be maintained throughout Montana , Idaho , and Wyoming ?

   No, the recovery goals only mandate that each state maintain a wolf
   population that never goes below 10 breeding pairs and 100 wolves per
   state, within the general area currently occupied by wolf packs (western
   and south-central Montana, central and northern Idaho, and northwestern
   Wyoming).  However, those three states have each committed to maintain
   their wolf populations in excess of 15 breeding pairs and 150 wolves,
   and indicate they will likely maintain an overall NRM wolf population
   between 900-1250 wolves.  The states have also committed to maintain the
   current overall distribution of wolves in the NRM.  There are many parts
   of eastern Montana, southern Idaho and eastern Wyoming where
   once-historic wolf habitat has been so modified by human use that it can
   no longer support wolf packs.  The Service fully recognizes that wolves
   cannot occupy their entire historic range and supports limiting wolf
   distribution to suitable habitat to reduce conflicts with people, as
   long as its recovered status is not threatened.

      After the wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains are delisted, how
      many wolves must the States manage?

   Montana , Idaho , and Wyoming have each committed to manage at least 15
   breeding pairs and at least 150 wolves in mid-winter to provide a buffer
   to ensure that the NRM wolf population never falls below the mandated
   minimum level of 30 breeding pairs and 300 wolves (10 breeding pairs and
   100 wolves per state).  If the wolf population ever dropped below that
   level, the Service could take actions to protect wolves through the
   Service’s emergency listing authority under the Endangered Species Act.
   Wyoming has committed to manage for at least 7 breeding pairs outside
   the national parks in Wyoming , regardless of how many wolves are in the
   national parks.

      After delisting, what happens to wolves outside the NRM wolf DPS?

  This action will not affect the status of any wolves outside of the
   northern Rocky Mountain wolf DPS.  The status of wolves under the ESA is
   determined by their location.  Therefore, any wolf outside the boundary
   of the northern Rocky Mountain wolf DPS would retain its current status.
   For example, if a wolf dispersed to Colorado , it would be listed as
   endangered. Should one wander into the western Great Lakes , it would
   continue to be managed by the states, because that population of gray
   wolves was delisted in 2007.

      Who made the final decision to delist wolves?

    Service Director H. Dale Hall made the decision, consistent with the
   Act’s requirements.

      After wolves are delisted, will there be any federal oversight?

   Once a species is delisted a State or Tribe has sole management
   responsibility. The Act includes many safeguards to ensure that the wolf
   population will remain recovered for the foreseeable future.   For
   example, the Act mandates the Service to monitor the wolf population for
   at least 5 years after delisting. This helps to ensure the population
   remains above recovery levels and emerging threats do not jeopardize the
   wolf population.  Annual reports and the Service’s analysis of these
   reports will be posted on the Service website during that period.
   Should the wolf population again become threatened or endangered, it
   could be protected under the ESA again.

      After delisting, what are the roles and responsibilities of tribes?

   Tribes manage all resident wildlife on tribal lands, so once wolves are
   delisted each tribe will manage all wolves on their tribal lands.  Some
   tribes have also taken a management role on other lands. For example,
   the Nez Perce Tribe led a highly successful wolf management effort in
   Idaho administered under a cooperative agreement with the Service from
   1995 to 2005.  The Tribe and State of Idaho signed a cooperative
   agreement in 2005 to maintain the Tribe’s involvement in wolf
   management.   The states and Tribes will address any tribal treaty right
   issues on public lands, such as harvest, just as they currently do for
   other resident wildlife species.

      How will livestock and wolf conflicts be handled after wolves are
      delisted?

   The Service, tribes, state fish and wildlife agencies in Montana , Idaho
   and Wyoming and USDA Wildlife Services currently work together to
   investigate and respond to reports of suspected wolf damage to
   livestock.  The States and Tribes have signed cooperative management
   agreements with USDA Wildlife Services to assist them with wolf
   management.  Once wolves are delisted, the States and Tribes will
   continue working with USDA to investigate and manage wolf/livestock
   conflict.  The states have laws to protect private property from damage
   caused by wildlife.  The State laws are similar to the federal
   experimental population regulations that were in effect while wolves
   were listed.  Under those laws, landowners and grazing permittees will
   be able to shoot wolves attacking or molesting their domestic animals,
   just as they now can shoot resident black bears or mountain lions that
   are seen attacking or harassing their livestock.

      Does delisting of the northern Rocky Mountain wolf DPS mean that
      wolves can be hunted?

   Wolves can be hunted once the delisting takes effect, if states
   establish hunting seasons and related regulations designed to maintain
   the wolf population at agreed upon levels.  The number of wolves killed
   by hunters would be tightly regulated to ensure the wolf population is
   never threatened.  These states already have hunting seasons for many
   species of resident wildlife, including black bear, elk, deer, and
   moose.  State-regulated sport hunting programs have a strong record of
   enhancing wildlife populations. When wolf populations are well above 15
   breeding pairs per state, the State fish and wildlife agencies can
   propose public hunting seasons to help maintain wolf numbers and wolf
   pack distribution.  The Service supports regulated public hunting
   programs as important tools to help manage and conserve recovered
   wildlife populations. Federal authority for maintaining wolf populations
   in national parks, such as Yellowstone and Glacier will remain.

      Can the States manage wolves?

   Yes. It is important to remember that state fish and wildlife agencies
   and sportsmen made wolf recovery possible by restoring wolf prey,
   including elk, deer and moose.  The states also already manage healthy
   populations of other large predators such as mountain lions, black
   bears, and coyotes.  They have professional fish and wildlife
   organizations with hundreds of employees, including biologists, wardens,
   researchers, educators, and managers who have done an incredible job of
   restoring and managing wildlife in their states.  The states of Montana
   and Idaho have been managing wolves in their states since 2004 under
   cooperative agreements with the Service and they have done an
   outstanding job.  The written commitments they have made in their state
   wolf management plans ensure that they will do the same for wolves once
   they are delisted.  In the unlikely event that the states do not meet
   the terms of their management plans, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
   can take action to again protect wolves under the Act.

      Who is paying for all of this?

   While listed under the Act, the federal government has paid most of the
   costs for wolf restoration and management through annual appropriations
   from Congress for endangered species recovery.  In 2007, about $3
   million was spent on wolf management in the northern Rockies , mostly for
   cooperative agreements with the states of Idaho and Montana and Nez
   Perce Tribe.  Once wolves are delisted, States will begin to fund some
   of the cost of wolf management through other funding sources, including
   other types of federal funding.

      Who will pay livestock compensation after delisting?

   Since 1987, a private group, the Defenders of Wildlife, has paid nearly
   $900,000 for livestock and herding and guarding animals killed by wolves
   in the northern Rocky Mountains .  However, it is uncertain if that
   private compensation program will continue when wolves are delisted.
   Therefore, the states of Montana , Idaho , and Wyoming , as well as
   adjacent states, anticipate that State-administered compensation
   programs for wolf damage will complement or take the place of the
   Defenders program after delisting.

      How will the States that have portions of their States outside the
      proposed DPS boundary be affected?

   Wolves outside the DPS boundaries of the Rocky Mountain and Western
   Great Lakes populations will remain listed as endangered.  If control
   actions are needed, the Service has a number of options, including
   removing the problem wolf.  Additionally, State management could involve
   nonlethal control of problem wolves and relocation.

      Will other States in the West need to have Service-approved wolf
      management plans?

   No. The significant portion of the range for the northern Rocky Mountain
   population of gray wolves is Montana , Idaho and Wyoming .
   Service-approved wolf management plans are needed only for those states
   to ensure the wolf population will remain recovered.

      How many wolves will states be allowed to shoot?

   The Service has no legal authority over a delisted wolf population.  The
   Service's responsibility is to recover a species and then ensure it will
   not become threatened again.  Just as states manage other resident
   wildlife—such as black bears or elk—they will decide how many wolves
   above the minimum recovery levels they will manage for through regulated
   public hunting programs which often include mandatory hunting licenses,
   permits, reporting, and seasons and bag limits.  In the event that wolf
   populations ever fell below those levels, they could be protected again
   under the ESA.

      Who should be the point of contact regarding wolf issues after they
      are delisted?

   Wolves in national parks will remain under the management authority of
   the National Park Service.  On national wildlife refuges, the individual
   refuge should be contacted, unless a prior arrangement has been made
   with the state fish and wildlife agency to allow wolf hunting on that
   refuge.  On tribal lands the Tribes have management authority, and they
   should be contacted.  On other lands, where wildlife is typically
   managed by the respective State fish and wildlife agency, (including
   federal lands such as those administered by the U.S. Forest Service or
   BLM) the states should be contacted.  There will be no federal
   regulations and no specific federal authority for wolf management within
   the boundaries of the DPS.