Grey Wolf no longer an endangered species

                     The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that starting September 30th the gray wolf will be taken off the endangered species list in the state of Wyoming. This particular wolf species is known to grow to be 2.5 feet in height and up to 6 feet in length. Their weight ranges from 80 to 100 pounds with a coat that varies from black to white. The gray wolf is known for it's iconic broad snout as well as it's round ears. The most infamous trait of this animal has grown to be its long, low-pitched howl. Following this action, the species will no longer receive federal protection by the beginning of the next month. The species population has grown and recovered from near extinction throughout Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah and parts of Washington (Also considered the Northern Rockies). This success has been a result of the combined efforts of states, tribes, and several other partners.
                     At the moment, the Northern Rockies have a total of 1,774 adult wolves inhabiting the area. In addition, there are 109 breeding pairs which exceeds the last 10 years of goals that were set for species recovery. As a result of their removal from the endangered species list, the gray wolf will be considered "trophy game" by state wardens. Officials in Wyoming will control the numbers of gray wolves that are hunted in addition to controlling those that prey on livestock.A controversy over this law has developed due to the fact that any wolf that seems to be "harassing" livestock can be killed without restriction. Many environmentalist have become concerned that this law is unjust in the sense that wolves can be baited into these types of conflicts by livestock owners as well as hunters. The state agency stated, "no state license is required to take a wolf, and there are no closed seasons or bag limits". Hunters are required to report their kill to game wardens within 10 days of the initial action. There have been several environmental and wildlife groups that have argued that this action will consequently put the species back into the brink of extinction. This federal decision is seen as a step backwards for the recovery process as a whole.
                  They also have argued that the federal decision has been made prematurely, meaning the gray wolf is still very much so endangered. In a recent interview, Earthjustice attorney Jenny Harbine said, "Wyoming's open season on wolves in almost all of the state would allow aerial gunning of wolves and even killing wolf pups in their den". In response, Wyoming officials have ensured that the number of gray wolves will not be allowed to drop below 150 wolves with a total of 15 breeding pairs. Also, the methods of killing as well as timing of the hunting will be carefully observed and regulated by state wardens. This monitoring is issued to proceed for at least five years in order to solidify the legitimacy of the species' recovery.
                         The overall goal of U.S. officials is to keep the gray wolf population healthy and remaining consistent. Last December, 328 wolves were counted in the state of Wyoming, including 48 packs and 27 breeding pairs. All in all, this includes 224 wolves, 36 packs and 19 breeding pairs surrounding Yellowstone National Park.