The state's wolf population is now at record numbers. The DNR's Adrian Wydeven says there are nearly six hundred wolves. That's good news because it shows they can thrive after coming off the endangered list but he says it's also bad news because we will likely see more cases of wolves attacking livestock and dogs.
The DNR likes to see about three hundred and fifty wolves roaming the state. So that means some are being legally trapped now. Some have been legally shot while attacking farm animals. Wydeven says more wolves are being taken through various means of wildlife management.
And if that doesn't work, Wydeven says the DNR could authorize a public hunt for the wolf no longer on the endangered species list.
But several animal support groups have recently filed a federal lawsuit to have the wolf protected once again. Wydeven says the DNR hopes to win that case so it can keep the wolf population levels that will protect farmers and still be acceptable to the general public.