11 pro-wolf groups have filed a notice of intent to sue Idaho over the state’s new wolf management plan. The groups cite “substantial” risks to other federally protected species if this plan is allowed to continue. Likewise, the groups believe that increased wolf trapping will lead to the inadvertent deaths of both grizzly bears and lynx.
Idaho’s new wolf management plan went into effect on July 1st, of this year. It increases legal hunter’s bag limits, gives trappers fewer restrictions, and also allows for private contractors to take wolves among other rule changes. According to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the state had around 1,500 wolves in 2020. As a result of this information and input from residents, the state legislature began working on a new wolf management law. Also, this plan was felt by many as a necessary step to manage the wolf population.
“I represent our cattlemen, our woolgrowers and outfitters. This bill has been crafted by them.” – Bill Sponsor Van Burtenshaw
Wolf Management and Lawsuits
The groups in this lawsuit have stated several reasons as to why they are pursuing the lawsuit. On top of the reasons stated above, several of the groups state that the plan is an attack on the wildlife’s refuge on national forests. Likewise, the groups claim that this plan goes against what the American public values in their public lands.
The Wood River Wolf Project and the International Wildlife Coexistence Network had this to say.
“Allowing reckless killing of these species in their habitat on our national forests goes against everything that most Idahoans and the American people value on our public lands.” – Suzanne Stone
Idaho hunters, livestock growers, and outdoorsmen contend that something needed to be done about the growing wolf population. During the last several years the wolf population has been growing steadily and it’s impacting their recreation and livelihoods, these groups claim.
Wolf management has become a tricky subject in the modern world. No matter what plan gets floated around it’s a pretty good bet the lawsuits will follow shortly after a plan is implemented.
So, what are your thoughts on this lawsuit? Do you think these groups will create a successful lawsuit? Do you believe that this wolf management plan should continue? Let us know in the comments!
