A couple of groups are attempting to stop Wisconsin’s five-month wolf hunt. Humane Society of the United States and Fund for Animals are asking the federal government to reinstate endangered species protection for Great Lakes grey wolves.
HSUS Wisconsin state director Alyson Bodai says their legal notice–filed Monday, the first day of the hunt–gives 60 days to comply otherwise they will file a lawsuit against the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Bodai believes the wolf harvest is taking place too soon after wolves were taken off the endangered species list. “We don’t think this is scientifically sound,” she says.
The region’s wolves were delisted in Dec. 2011 in a final ruling by the USFWS. This followed nearly a decade of court battles that saw endangered species listings for the wolves go back-and-forth with HSUS advocating for protection of the animals. The groups are also asking the state of Wisconsin to halt the hunt.
The Wisconsin DNR says the hunt will continue as required by state law. Supporters say a wolf harvest was necessary to control the growing population. Meanwhile, the hunt has proven to be very popular among outdoor enthusiasts with four wolves killed the first day.
AUDIO: Brian Moon reports (1:08)