As of today, wolves of Idaho and Montana, eastern Washington, eastern Oregon and northern Utah are no longer on the endangered species list and controversial wolf hunts are set to begin this fall.  Montana alone is proposing a quota of 220 wolves – the highest proposed quota yet, up from 75 in the state’s inaugural wolf hunting season in 2009. Officials expect this quota will lower the total population by 25 percent. 

Today’s delisting have hackles raised among many wolf supporters and three conservation groups are expected to act.  Alliance for the Wild Rockies, Friends of the Clearwater, and WildEarth Guardians plan to file a lawsuit in US District Court, challenging the delisting rider attached to the recently passed budget bill on grounds that it was unconstitutional.  Will federal protections once again be returned to this misunderstood predator?

Although several WCC supporters have expressed that today’s delisting has left them feeling upset and discouraged, there’s at least one individual who finds reason to celebrate this morning.  Mexican gray wolf F837 has been howling up a storm and rallying the other 22 wolves residing at the WCC to take part in her Cinco de Mayo song.  I couldn’t resist, I was compelled to join the chorus too and you know, it felt great.  Keep on howling!