What is the status of gray wolves in the United States?
They are listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 47 states, meaning that throughout all or in a significant portion of its range the gray wolf is in danger of becoming extinct. The Fish and Wildlife Service has listed the wolf as threatened in Minnesota, indicating it is somewhat more secure from extinction there. In Washington State, both the federal and state governments list the wolf as an endangered species. What protection does this listing provide the wolf? The Endangered Species Act, passed in 1973, requires the federal government to protect and conserve species threatened with extinction. The Act makes the “take” of wolves a violation. As defined in the Act, “take” means to “harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct.” Will wolves be recovered in the North Cascades? It is mandatory under the Endangered Species Act that federal agencies work toward the wolf’s recovery. Recovery is d
