Storms start to move out of Minnesota, continue for western Wisconsin

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As of Monday, the state of Minnesota is back in charge of its gray wolf population. The federal government had been in control of the wolf for the past 30 years because it was under endangered species protection. 

The change comes about after a rebound in the wolf population, particularly in Minnesota. Just 35 years ago, there were about 500 wolves estimated to roam northern Minnesota. 

Today, there are an estimated 3,000 wolves in Minnesota, and another 500 each in Wisconsin and Michigan.

The change means state law now determines how wolves will be managed.  In Minnesota, state law gives farmers more latitude in shooting wolves caught attacking livestock.  Otherwise, it remains illegal to shoot wolves.   

MPR' Cathy Wurzer spoke with Mike Don Carlos,  the wildlife research and policy manager at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, about the changes.

Gallery

Balancing the needs of wolves and humans

Feds plan to remove gray wolf from endangered list

The state of Minnesota is back in charge of its gray wolf population. The federal government had been in control of the wolf for the past 30 years because it was under endangered species protection. 


State takes control of wolf population

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