The Center for Biological Diversity recently sent an email to the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and asked that the “adverse consequences” of Montana’s Senate Bill 314 be limited.
The law authorizes hunters and trappers to reduce the number of wolves to a sustainable level, but not less than 15 breeding pairs. The center argued that the legislation could result in the extermination of 80 percent of the wolf population.
The group also said, “Allowing the bill’s proposed methods and reduction in the wolf population to go forward could result in state ineligibility for funds under the Pittman-Robertson Act.”
Center attorney Andrea Zaccardi said, “Montana’s recent anti-wolf legislation is completely contrary to the purposes of the Pittman-Robertson Act, which aims to conserve wildlife.”
She continued, “These bills reflect an anti-wildlife policy that can’t be tolerated. Federal officials should intervene and declare Montana ineligible to receive federal funding unless the state commits to sustaining its treasured wolf population.”
