U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Denies Wolf Protections, Plans National Recovery

Despite denying a petition for Endangered Species Act protections in the Northern Rockies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces a national recovery plan for gray wolves.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has denied a petition to place gray wolves in the Northern Rockies under Endangered Species Act protections, citing a peer-reviewed assessment.
Gray wolves remain listed as endangered in 44 states, including Wisconsin, and under state management in parts of the West.
A national recovery plan for gray wolves in the lower 48 states is set to be developed by late 2025, aiming for a comprehensive conservation approach.
Environmental and animal protection groups plan to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over the decision, arguing it threatens wolf recovery efforts.
Recent laws in Idaho and Montana have increased hunting and trapping pressures, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of gray wolf populations.