The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a measure to remove gray wolves from the endangered species list and allow states to manage wolf populations in the Pet and Livestock Protection Act on December 18.
"It's in the best interest of Michigan and a lot of these Midwest states to be able to manage these animals to better help the ecosystem," Michigan State Representative Parker Fairbairn, R-Harbor Springs, said in a press release.
In April, Fairbairn authored House Resolution 30, which called for Congress to support moving wolf management to the state level. Michigan’ Department of Natural Resources supported the resolution.
According to an MLive article in 2024, the Upper Peninsula has seen the highest number of gray wolves since 2012 with around 762 tallied in the population. Many residents are concerned about livestock. A recent survey shows that 60% of residents in the Upper Peninsula are in favor of reducing the abundance of wolves in the region.
Last year, the conversation to de-list wolves showed up in court, with environmental organizations, like Defenders of Wildlife, arguing that gray wolves should stay protected, according to an MLive.
Fairbairn said that he, along with the Michigan's DNR office, are interested in creating a state management plan to handle the wolf population. He said he hopes to have a wolf hunt by the end of next fall.
"(The plan is) gonna make the UP a better place," Fairbairn told WCMU during a phone interview. "We're saying (the state) needs to have some sort of management, and who better to do that than our hunters."
The legislation will be moving to the U.S. Senate for approval.
We note the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is a sponsor of WCMU. We report on them as we do with any other organization.
