Madison, WI – Representative Rob Swearingen (R-Rhinelander) released the following
statement regarding the recent announcement from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service that they will be removing the gray wolf from the endangered species list.
“The facts are clear and indisputable—the gray wolf no longer meets the definition of a
threatened or endangered species. Today the wolf population is thriving and it is reasonable to conclude it will continue to do so in the future. The decision made to de-list the gray wolf on the federal level will now restore management of all gray wolves back to the rightful hands of state and tribal leaders who have been instrumental to the species recovery.
An extensive survey conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR),
tribal biologists and more than 100 trained citizen volunteers indicated a 13% increase in
Wisconsin’s wolf population from last year. Using their new occupancy model, the DNR
estimated that there are between 957 and 1,573 wolves or an increase from 243 packs to 256 packs from the previous year.
“The Northwoods, as well as areas throughout the state, have seen firsthand how dangerous these wolf packs have become from wreaking havoc on livestock to killing individuals pets. The continued efforts to de-list the gray wolf could not have happened without the Trump Administration and Congressman Tiffany, who both played an instrumental role in making this happen, and thank them for their commitment to this cause. Since the gray wolf is no longer an endangered species on the federal level, I would encourage the DNR to continue their management plan that could potentially include a wolf hunt in the future,” stated Swearingen.
Representative Swearingen represents the 34th Assembly District, which includes the
Northwoods counties of Oneida, Vilas, Florence and portions of Forest.
