President Donald Trump’s latest executive order puts the fate of gray wolves and Mexican gray wolves squarely in the hands of the Interior Department. Secretary Doug Burgum has just three months to assess whether the species have rebounded sufficiently to merit removal from the Endangered Species Act, a move that could also loosen restrictions on lethal control. Conservationists warn that delisting could open the door to increased hunting and habitat loss, while supporters argue the wolves have recovered and that the change would benefit ranchers and local economies. The decision, expected by the end of the summer, will spark a contentious debate over wildlife protection and federal authority.
Interior department given three months to decide whether wolves can be removed from endangered species listDonald Trump signed an executive order on Friday directing the interior department to consider de-listing gray wolves from the Endangered Species Act and to contemplate whether the agency could make it easier to authorize killing them.The order gives interior secretary Doug Burgum three months to determine whether gray wolves and Mexican gray wolves have recovered enough for the federal government to de-list them. Continue reading...
