Elk Foundation Supports Wolf Decision

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation strongly agrees with a recent decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) that gray wolves will remain off the federal Endangered Species List. The Biden administration filed on August 20, 2021, in favor of the final rule delisting all gray wolves in the Lower 48.

“Nothing has changed here. This is a matter of science. Scientists and biologists under the Biden administration agree with those under the Trump administration as well as the Obama administration before them, that wolves continue to meet delisting criteria and are successfully recovered,” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO. “As a recovered species, wolves will and should be appropriately managed by state agencies in line with the North American Wildlife Conservation Model through regulated hunting and trapping.”

The USFWS reviewed the 2020 delisting rule and concluded it consistent with the ESA and based on the best scientific data available at that time.

Wolf populations are well above state and federal management goals in Idaho, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Wisconsin and Wyoming. They are at historic modern-day levels in both Oregon and Washington. Additionally, active pup-producing packs are on the ground in California and Colorado with confirmed sightings in other states.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Founded more than 37 years ago, fueled by hunters and a membership of more than 231,000 strong, RMEF has conserved more than 8.1 million acres for elk and other wildlife. RMEF also works to open and improve public access, fund and advocate for science-based resource management, and ensure the future of America’s hunting heritage. Discover why “Hunting Is Conservation™” at rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.