Wolf action galvanizes groups

BOISE, Idaho — Idaho’s wolf population is on the decline, heading toward 10 breeding pairs, or 150 wolves.

That’s the goal set in the 2002 wolf management plan that will remain the state’s official policy unless it is changed by the Legislature.

The Idaho Statesman reports that last week’s legislation to establish an Idaho Wolf Control Board, along with efforts to expand and increase wolf hunting and trapping, has galvanized some national conservation groups.

They are preparing to go back to court to demand that the federal government put the wolf back under the protection of the Endangered Species Act.

The Center for Biological Diversity and Defenders of Wildlife are complaining about the state’s recent wolf actions.