The gray wolves of the northern Rocky Mountains face significant threats.

Conservationists are battling against state-sanctioned wolf hunts and policies that could decimate the wolf population in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. However, new efforts and legal battles are emerging to protect these majestic animals.

The Struggle for Federal Protection

Wolves in the northern Rockies have had a tumultuous history with the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Initially listed as endangered in 1974, they benefited from federal protection for decades. However, their status has been repeatedly challenged and altered, often influenced by political decisions rather than scientific findings.

In 2009, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) removed federal protections, a decision that was temporarily overturned by a federal judge in 2010. Yet, in 2011, a congressional rider again stripped the wolves of their endangered status, making it the first instance of a species being removed from the list by legislative action rather than scientific review, reports the Center for Biological Diversity.

The removal of federal protections has led to aggressive state-led wolf management programs. Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming have implemented policies allowing extensive wolf hunting and trapping. These measures include using bait, snares, and even allowing hunters to chase wolves down with hounds and ATVs.

The result has been hundreds of wolves killed annually, raising concerns among conservationists about the long-term survival of these animals in the region.

Recent Legal Battles

In April 2024, conservation groups, including the Center for Biological Diversity, Humane Society of the United States, Humane Society Legislative Fund, and Sierra Club, filed a lawsuit against the FWS for denying their petition to restore ESA protections to wolves in the northern Rockies.

The lawsuit argues that the agency ignored scientific warnings that current state laws could drastically reduce the wolf population, potentially leading to their extinction in the region, reports the Center for Biological Diversity.

"We're back in court to save the wolves and we'll win again," said Collette Adkins, carnivore conservation program director at the Center for Biological Diversity. She emphasized that the FWS is neglecting its duty under the ESA and allowing state policies that undermine decades of recovery efforts.

The FWS's decision not to restore protections has sparked criticism from various environmental and animal welfare groups. They argue that state management programs are excessively harsh and threaten the long-term viability of the wolf population. The lawsuit seeks a court order to compel the FWS to reconsider its decision based on current scientific evidence and the potential impacts of state policies on wolf populations, the Associated Press reports.

 

State Policies Under Scrutiny

The states of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming have come under intense scrutiny for their wolf management policies. Montana allows the use of bait and strangulation snares, and hunters can kill up to 20 wolves each. Idaho has similar laws and even permits private contractors to hunt wolves. Wyoming's policies are the most lenient, allowing hunters to kill wolves by any means necessary without a license in most parts of the state.

Such policies have led to alarming incidents, such as a Wyoming man who ran down a wolf with a snowmobile, taped its mouth shut, and brought it into a bar before killing it.

This act, although widely condemned, resulted in only a minor fine for illegal possession of wildlife, reports the Associated Press. These aggressive policies are justified by state officials as necessary to protect livestock and manage big game populations. However, conservationists argue that these measures are excessive and undermine the ecological role that wolves play.

Wolves help maintain healthy ecosystems by controlling deer and elk populations, which in turn benefits other wildlife and plant species, according to the Center for Biological Diversity.

 

Ongoing Conservation Efforts

Despite the challenges, there are ongoing efforts to protect wolves in the northern Rockies.

In Idaho, conservation groups have filed litigation against the USDA's Wildlife Services for its role in wolf killings and are advocating for stricter regulations on trapping. In Montana, there is support for legislative bills aimed at limiting how wolves can be killed, particularly near Yellowstone National Park, reports the Center for Biological Diversity. Additionally, the Center for Biological Diversity and its allies are pushing for a national recovery plan for gray wolves. This plan aims to establish wolf populations in suitable habitats across the West Coast, northern and southern Rockies, Midwest, and Northeast.

The FWS has committed to developing this plan by December 2025, a move that could provide a more cohesive strategy for wolf conservation nationwide the Associated Press reports.

 

The Path Forward

The fate of wolves in the northern Rocky Mountains remains uncertain. The ongoing legal battles and state policies pose significant challenges to their survival. However, the efforts of conservation groups and the potential development of a national recovery plan offer hope.

Wolves are not only a symbol of wild America but also play a crucial role in maintaining the health of their ecosystems. As the fight continues, it is essential to balance the needs of wildlife conservation with those of local communities.

The future of wolves in the northern Rockies will depend on science-based policies and a commitment to protecting these iconic animals for generations to come. Click below to take action for the wolves of the Northern Rockies!