Ribble Proposes Removing Gray Wolf From Endangered Species List In Midwest

U.S. Rep. Reid Ribble, R-Wis., has introduced one of two bills aimed at taking the gray wolf off the endangered species list in parts of the U.S.

Two months ago, a federal judge ordered greater protection for the wolf in the Western Great Lakes region, halting state-sponsored wolf hunting and trapping.

The Humane Society of the United States doesn’t approve of the congressional legislation. State Director Melissa Tedrowe said the measures will do nothing to help the wolf.

“We think that this is an overreach that’s sending us in a very bad direction when it comes to managing wolves,” said Tedrowe. “States have failed so badly in their oversight of the species.”

Tedrowe said a coalition of animal protection groups wants the gray wolf to be listed as a threatened species, meaning hunting of wolves would not be allowed but farmers would be able to get more help to deal with wolves that attack livestock.

Ribble, a Republican from Green Bay, said Wisconsin’s gray wolf population has significantly recovered over the last several decades and he’s confident in the state’s ability to manage the wolves. Ribble said that five other Wisconsin representatives support his bill.