To the editor:

Federal protections for wolves in most of the U.S., including Michigan, were restored following a recent court decision. While the DNR took a conservative approach to wolf management, Michigan wolves do not exist in isolation. One criterion for any species to be federally delisted is whether threats still exist.

The court likely considered the wolf slaughter that took place in Wisconsin last year; the South Dakota law designating the wolf as “predator/varmint,” the high rate of wolf poaching in the Great Lakes states, the open and bald-faced threats of those who claim they will take matters into their own hands if a wolf hunt is not authorized, and the lack of science and inclusive decision-making process on the part of the Michigan Wolf Management Advisory Council.

In his decision, Judge White stated, “…similar to its previous rule-making, the Service (USFWS) did not adequately consider threats to wolves outside of these core populations.”

This ruling means that a wolf can only be killed if it poses a threat to human safety and that risk is extremely low.

In FY 2021, USDA Wildlife Services received a $60,000 grant for use in Michigan to implement nonlethal methods to protect livestock from wolf and coyote predation.

A combination of fladry (flagging), lights, stereos and trail cameras, along with a human presence by walking and surveying pastures helped deter predations at farms. One of the most critical preventative measures a producer can take is to properly dispose of animal carcasses as this serves as an attractant to wolves, coyotes and other predators.

According to their report “There were no calf depredations at cooperators with adequate carcass disposal.”

Last year, only four of the approximately 900 working farms in the U.P. with about 50,000 head of livestock experienced a conflict with wolves. This includes one beef operation in Ontonagon County with a record of poor carcass disposal.

Producers will continue to be reimbursed the fair market value at the time of loss for any damage caused by wolves or coyotes.

Wolves are a controversial species and as such, it is important that management decisions, including, the delisting of wolves are based on science and facts. The court agreed and “finds that the Service’s conclusion fails to address the best available science on this issue.”