This wolf was seen on County Road 7 in Grand Marais.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Congressman Jim Oberstar are asking for a federal review to determine if the gray wolf in Minnesota should remain on the endangered species list. Minnesota’s wolf population has doubled over the past two decades and packs are now ranging as far south as the Mora area in Kanabec County.
“Although wolf attacks on humans are extremely rare, we
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are seeing an increase in the number of attacks on pets and livestock. History has shown that wolf packs do not coexist well with human populations,” said Oberstar. “We need to make sure a good management plan is in place as the wolf population continues to grow and come into contact with people.”
Oberstar and Klobuchar have written the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department requesting a scientific review of Minnesota’s wolf population to see if a new designation is needed.
“The Endangered Species Act has helped bring numerous species back from the brink of
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extin ctio n. L ike t he bald eagle, the gray wolf has been able to reestablish itself and increase its range,” said Klobuchar. “Now that the wolf range in Minnesota is coming close to farms, homes, and businesses, delisting would give the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources the ability to implement its own management plan.”
Thewolf management plan that has been proposed by the Minnesota DNR would not allow hunting or trapping of wolves for at least five years. It also establishes a minimum
population of 1,600 wolves to
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ensure the long-term viability
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of the species.
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