Trump order directs officials to consider stripping protections for gray wolves
Summary
President Donald Trump signed an executive order asking the Interior Department to review whether gray wolves and Mexican gray wolves have recovered enough to be removed from the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The order also encourages states to reduce protections and make it easier to kill wolves, but most gray wolves remain protected under federal law.Key Facts
- President Trump signed an order directing a three-month review on de-listing gray wolves from the ESA.
- The order focuses on both gray wolves and the rarer Mexican gray wolves found mainly in the Southwest.
- The US Fish and Wildlife Service has tried to de-list gray wolves before, but court orders have kept protections in place across most states.
- Gray wolves are classified differently in some states; for example, Minnesota lists them as "threatened" rather than "endangered."
- Mexican gray wolves must reach a population of over 320 animals for four years before being considered for de-listing.
- Environmental groups oppose the order, warning against premature removal of wolf protections and political interference.
- The order aims to support ranchers by easing restrictions on wolf killing to protect livestock.
- Killing a wolf without protection still generally remains illegal under the ESA despite this executive order.
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