News Release
Court ruling places western Great Lakes Gray Wolf back under Endangered Species Act protections
September 30, 2008
class="style6Jason Holm, USFWS, 612-713-5310
class="style6Georgia Parham, USFWS 812-334-4261 x. 203
class="style6On September 29, 2008, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia overturned the Department of the Interiors decision to remove the Gray Wolf (Great Lakes Distinct Population Segment) from federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections. The status of gray wolves in the western Great Lakes is once again endangered under the endangered Species Act, except in Minnesota, where they are once again designated as threatened.
class="style6The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is in the process of examining the opinion to determine the most appropriate course of action. In the meantime, we published a notice on the Service website and advised the relevant states about this change.
class="style6The Service will cooperatively resume management responsibilities with the States of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan in accordance with the courts order and we will examine the ruling to determine our next actions.
class="style6The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov.
-FWS-