The Center for Biological Diversity has filed a 60-day notice of intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) for failing to develop a national gray wolf recovery plan under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This follows the Trump administration’s recent decision that protecting gray wolves under the ESA is “no longer appropriate,” effectively halting plans for an updated recovery strategy. The Center previously won a similar lawsuit two years ago.
Key points include:
- The current gray wolf recovery plan dates back to 1992 and focuses primarily on Minnesota, neglecting other regions such as the West Coast, southern Rocky Mountains, and northeastern U.S. where wolves live or could recover.
- The Trump administration sought to strip federal protections from gray wolves, leading to increased hunting and trapping before courts restored protections.
- Under the Biden administration, FWS had agreed to develop a national recovery plan as part of a 2022 settlement with the Center, but the recent policy reversal has stalled progress.
- Federal protections have allowed wolf populations to slowly recover to roughly 1% of their historical numbers and occupy about 15% of their historic range, but the recovery remains fragile.
- The Center argues that a comprehensive, science-based recovery plan is essential to ensure wolves’ long-term survival and prevent further declines.
- The Center plans to file a formal lawsuit shortly after the 60-day notice period to compel FWS to fulfill its legal obligations under the ESA.
This legal action highlights ongoing conflicts over the future of gray wolf conservation in the U.S., balancing species recovery with concerns from ranchers and other stakeholders. It underscores the need for a coordinated, nationwide approach to protect and restore gray wolf populations.
