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Officials Take Comment On Wolf Delisting In The U.P.

Residents from across the Upper Peninsula gathered in Marquette last night to learn more about a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposal to remove the gray wolf from the Endangered Species list.  The agency says the animal has not only recovered, it is thriving in the Western Great Lakes Region.  Officials say it's time to let states determine how they'll manage the wolf themselves.

Delisting opponents say recovery efforts are not complete.  They say wolves keep the whitetail population healthy, as they go after the weakest and sickest deer. 

No wolves lived in the state when the animal was put on the list in 1973.  Their population now exceeds 687 wolves, far beyond the original goal of 100 animals between Michigan and Wisconsin. 

Marty Johnson, from Bark River, thinks a certain number of wolves should be harvested each year to keep the packs in check.

 "That's the key up here, a population of balance. Right now I think it's over-balanced. I think they're greatly affecting our deer population up here, greatly affecting it," Johnson says.

Delisting means the state could use lethal means to control errant wolves.  Barring legal challenges the proposal could be adopted by the end of the year. Michigan lawmakers could also establish a hunting season, if the wolf were to be delisted. 

The Fish and Wildlife Service is taking public commentthrough July 5, and hopes to adopt a final proposal by the end of the year.