Feds Defend Rejection of Wolf Plan

Laramie, Wy – The wolf recovery coordinator for the U-S Fish and Wildlife Service says the decision to reject Wyoming's wolf management plan was not political. Ed Bangs says there were significant biological concerns, especially regarding the dual predator-trophy status.
Bangs says his agency has a basic message for Wyoming: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is very capable with good people working for it and it needs the ability to manage wolves. But, including the predator status would make that an unworkable situation.
Bangs says the federal government will not propose taking wolves off the endangered species list until Wyoming makes changes to its plan. He says that could happen this year, but that's iffy given the current situation.