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May 5, 2011
On May 4, 2011, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) officially
announced it is proposing to remove gray wolves (Canis lupus), from the endangered
species list in the Western Great Lakes and, in compliance with recent legislation
enacted by Congress, in the Northern Rocky Mountains. Stating that gray wolf populations
have biologically recovered in these regions, USFWS officials went on to laud the
delisting as another example of the successful use of the Endangered Species Act
in restoring an endangered species.
"The International Wolf Center, which was founded to advance the survival of wolf
populations through fact-based scientific education, is gratified to see current
populations in both regions at levels exceeding the goals stated in the recovery
plans," states Mary Ortiz, executive director at the Center. "However, it is important
to note that turning management over to the states will be just one step in ensuring
the long-term recovery of wolves. These populations will be monitored by the USFWS in
order to be certain that wolf numbers do not decline below the thresholds established
by the recovery plans."
According to the USFWS, current wolf population estimates in Minnesota exceed
2,900 with 557 and 600 in Wisconsin and Michigan respectively.
The Center has long been a voice of reason in this hotly debated issue, acting as
a forum for views pro and con, but always relying on peer reviewed science as its guide
in presenting controversial issues. "The educational role we play is more important
than ever as the difficult questions of wolf management and protection of wildlands
habitat come to the forefront," said Ortiz, "Our goal is to provide up-to-date
science-based information to help people make their own decisions."
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ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER- The International Wolf Center, founded in 1985,
is known worldwide as the nation's premier source for wolf education. The mission of
the Center is to advance the survival of wolf populations by teaching about the wolf's
life, its relationship to wildlands and the human role in its future. The Center
educates through its Web site, www.wolf.org, its ambassador wolves, museum exhibits,
on-site adventure and outreach programs and International Wolf magazine. Its flagship
educational facility in Ely, MN, 1396 Highway 169, Ely, MN 55731. (Phone: 218-365-4695)
The Center's administrative and outreach offices are at 3410 Winnetka Ave North,
Minneapolis, MN 55427.
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