EDITOR:

I am compelled to respond to the article, “Bergman: Delist gray wolf from endangered species” published March 27th.

Wolves in Michigan have made a remarkable recovery because of protections given to them under the Endangered Species Act, which now Bergman wants to remove through H.R. 845.

It is not the role of legislators to delist a species. The responsibility lies with the USFWS which must adhere to strict criterion, including whether the species is subject to over-utilization for commercial or recreational purposes; whether there are adequate regulatory mechanisms in place by the state and whether the threats have been eliminated or sufficiently reduced.

Wolves in Michigan do not live in isolation. Wisconsin has mandated wolf hunting, trapping season, including the use of dogs upon delisting. In February 2021, hunters/trappers killed 216 wolves within a few days, exceeding the state’s quota of 119. South Dakota has wolves classified as varmint with no state protection. The procedures in these states are clearly inadequate to protect wolves.

There are areas of our country, such as the Northeast region with suitable habitat and prey but no wolves.

Wolves are being managed by the states through use of non-lethal measures. The UP has approximately 1000 working farms with about 50,000 head of livestock. In 2024, only two farms had a conflict resulting in the death of 3 calves/1 sheep. Since 2020, four or less farms have had a conflict. While any loss can be significant, the producer is paid the fair market value at the time of loss for any verified predation by a wolf or coyote.

Michigan has a sound science-based management plan for wolves that focuses on their ecological benefits while addressing potential conflicts and cultural concerns. We must not pander to the whims of a small but vocal minority who want to kill wolves for recreational purposes.

Nancy Warren

Ewen