Conservation scientists oppose efforts to remove federal protections for wolves across the lower 48 states

By Jeremy Bruskotter On May 21, 2013 ·

Interior Secretary Sally Jewell received two letters today from conservation scientists criticizing a draft Rule that would remove protections for wolves across the lower 48 states. One letter came from the American Society of Mammalogists, the other from 16 conservation scientists. 

Signatories include several scientists who conducted the research the government relied upon in the draft rule. According to these scientists, the draft rule does not reflect “the conclusions of our work or the best available science concerning the recovery of wolves.”  Interestingly, the letter comes on the heels of an announcement that the proposed delisting is being held up indefinitely due to an “unexpected delay.”

As one of the signatories, I was particularly disappointed by the Fish & Wildlife Service’s (FWS) analysis of the threats faced by wolves.  Despite acknowledging that, in areas with higher human densities “the primary determinant of the long-term conservation of gray wolves will likely be human attitudes toward this predator”, the FWS did not cite any of the scientific (or commercial) data available to address this threat, as required by law; rather, the FWS relied upon the conjecture of biologists involved in wolf recovery efforts.  Though the opinions of these professionals carry considerable weight, they do not reflect “the best available science” on tolerance for wolves.

See the Center for Biological Diversity’s press release.

Scientists: Don’t drop federal protections

Scientists call on Obama administration to keep gray wolves protected

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