Nine wolves killed in Wisconsin over safety concerns

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 17:02 · Archive

Wisconsin killed nine federally protected gray wolves in Price County after reported encounters with people.

Nine federally protected gray wolves were trapped and killed by USDA Wildlife Services in late August and early September in Price County, Wisconsin, on the direction of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The agency says the wolves posed a threat to human safety after repeated encounters with people. The DNR documented six verified human-safety conflicts and said members of the pack had become increasingly comfortable around people. Residents attempted several nonlethal measures, including hazing, increased lighting, removing potential attractants and modifying fencing, but the DNR says those efforts failed.

Although gray wolves remain federally protected, limited exceptions allow lethal removal under certain circumstances involving threats to human safety. The DNR consulted with federal wildlife officials and determined relocation was not feasible because of limited suitable habitat, the size of the pack and potential risks to other wolves.

Tribal wildlife leaders and animal advocates have criticised the removals. The Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission Executive Administrator Jason Schlender said the tribal commission was excluded from the decision-making process, calling it 'a huge mistake'. Animal Wellness Action President Wayne Pacelle disputed the state's justification, arguing that wolves generally avoid people and questioning whether six documented conflicts warranted killing the animals, calling the removals 'completely unprecedented'.

How it is being reported

• Nine wolves killed in Price County as Wisconsin DNR faces criticism over removalsThe killing of nine federally protected gray wolves in northern Wisconsin is drawing criticism from tribal wildlife leaders and animal advocates.WSAW · 12 Oct, 16:23
• Nine wolves killed in Price County as Wisconsin DNR faces criticism over removalsThe wolves were trapped and euthanized by USDA Wildlife Services in late August and early September at the direction of the DNR.WBAY · 12 Oct, 04:48

In this story: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources · USDA Wildlife Services · Price County · Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission · Jason Schlender · Wayne Pacelle · Animal Wellness Action

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