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State Wants Right To Kill Problem Wolves

http://ipraudio.interlochen.org/Wolf_Lethal_Control.mp3

The state of Michigan is asking federal officials for the authority to kill wolves that prey on livestock or attack pets. Right now, only wolves that threaten people can be killed, because wolves are still protected under the endangered species act.

But most problems are from wolves that attack livestock or pets, state wildlife officials say. And the state Department of Natural Resources and Environment no longer captures and moves problem animals.

"It also causes social acceptance of wolves to go down because who wants a problem wolf brought to their area, says Wolf Coordinator Brian Roehl.

He says there are so many wolves across the Upper Peninsula there aren't any out of the way places to put one.

Both state and federal wildlife officials agree the gray wolf is fully recovered in Michigan. But the Humane Society and other groups are contesting that in court.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is taking public comments on Michigan's request for lethal control though May 20th.

Listen to the audio for Bob Allen's discussion with Brian Roehl.

Bob Allen reports on a variety of issues that reflect the changes and challenges that affect northern Michigan including rapid population growth in a region of unsurpassed natural beauty. Bob has often noted that he is proud inform and enrich lives in the local community by presenting an array of fine programming through Interlochen Public Radio.