News

Wolf Numbers Explode in Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s wolf population has exploded over the past year according the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The Wisconsin DNR recently released preliminary numbers, based on winter tracking surveys, for the state’s wolf population.  Those numbers indicated a surprisingly high population of 630 to 680.  This contrasts dramatically from the same time in 2008, when the population was an estimated 540 wolves.

According to DNR officials, the increase may be the result of a particularly harsh winter that facilitated wolves’ ability to hunt down food, including deer.

As previously reported, the wolf was removed from protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on May 4.  This action returned the management of wolf populations back to the states. 

In Wisconsin, the wolf is considered “protected” and is subject to a state management plan.  The plan does not currently allow for a general hunting season, though it does allow wolves to be shot under limited circumstances such as protecting a pet or property.  For more information on Wisconsin wolf policy, Click Here.

Discussion is beginning on whether to open a limited hunting season for wolves.  However moves in favor of a hunt have been opposed by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). 

The HSUS is also one of several groups expected to file legal challenged to the federal delisting of the wolf from the Endangered Species List.  Should that legal challenge be successful, states would once again lose their ability to manage their wolf populations.

The USSA continues to monitor the legal issues concerning the delisting of the wolves as well as individual state management policies.