The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a bill that aims to take away federal protections for gray wolves across the country.
Sponsored by Rep. Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin and several lawmakers, the bill passed narrowly by a vote of 211-204. Most votes came from Republicans.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this legislation could strip protections from over 4,500 wolves in the western Great Lakes and about 2,800 wolves in the western states.
This bill also prevents courts from reviewing the decision, a move that has drawn criticism. Groups advocating for animal rights have fought hard to secure protections for wolves. On the House floor, Tiffany emphasized that the gray wolf’s status has changed many times over the years.
“Wisconsinites know best how to manage our wolf population,” Tiffany remarked. He pointed to rural concerns about wolves attacking pets and livestock, claiming many farmers feel helpless to protect their animals.
In the past, federal judges have reinstated protections for wolves, asserting that federal authorities did not prove that wolf populations could survive without them. A similar bill passed last year but stalled in the Senate, which was then controlled by Democrats. With a Republican majority now, Tiffany’s bill stands a better chance, though uncertainty remains about its future in the Senate.
Supporters of wolf protections, including Democratic Rep. Donald S. Beyer Jr. of Virginia, argue that removing protections could put wolves at risk again due to poaching and habitat loss. Beyer stated that the Endangered Species Act has been crucial for stabilizing wolf populations across the U.S.
Interestingly, a survey by Michigan Technological University revealed that 78% of Americans support continued protections for gray wolves. This survey suggests a strong public sentiment favoring the preservation of these animals.
In Wisconsin, the wolf population is close to 1,200 and is stabilizing, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. However, some scientists dispute claims that the wolf population is fully recovered. Randy Johnson, a specialist from the agency, believes the science supports the idea that wolves can be managed effectively now.
Despite this, there are real concerns. The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation has noted that there have been 76 confirmed or probable wolf attacks on livestock this year. Out of approximately 58,200 farms in the state, 40 reported wolf interactions.
The debate over wolf management reflects larger issues in wildlife conservation, rural livelihoods, and the complexities of restoring ecosystems. As attitudes evolve, the conversation around gray wolves is likely to continue, balancing human interests with ecological responsibility.
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