Environmental Threats
How the USDA’s New Beef Industry Plan Puts Wolves at Risk
Last week, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) introduced their Beef Industry Plan aimed at “fortifying” a subset of American business owners who already receive significant subsidies and handouts funded by taxpayers – livestock producers. The plan outlines various initiatives that are concerning enough on their own but most alarming is the Administration’s focus on expanding public lands grazing and targeting predators (wolves) who pose miniscule threats to producers. This plan offers “solutions” for problems…
Trump Administration Proposes Rule that Would Destroy Endangered Species Habitat
The Trump administration announced a proposed rule on April 17 that would strip habitat protections for endangered species across the United States. The rule would change the definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a move that would devastate countless species and allow for habitat destruction without consideration of species that would be impacted. In summary, the proposed rule states: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (we)…
A Milestone for Wildlife Protection: BLM Halts Use of Deadly M-44 ‘Cyanide Bombs’
The Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) is thrilled to share a significant victory in the fight for wildlife protection. Following years of relentless advocacy, education, and the united efforts of conservation organizations and concerned individuals, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced a halt in the use of M-44 devices, infamously known as ‘cyanide bombs’, on the lands they manage. The Threat of M-44s M-44s have long posed a grave threat to wildlife, pets, and…
Over 150,000 Voices Urge Biden Administration to Completely Reinstate the ESA
The rallying cry for the protection of endangered species has never been louder. Over 150,000 concerned citizens, from every corner of the nation, have implored the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to rejuvenate the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in its entirety. Their passionate plea comes in the wake of new regulatory proposals issued this past June, addressing prior controversial regulations established under the Trump administration in 2019.…
Trump Compares Political Opponents To “Pack of Rabid Wolves”
Earlier today, Donald Trump released a political ad on Truth Social which was filled with interspersed images of a snarling wolf, and in which he compared his political opponents to the outdated folklorist view of villainous wolves saying, “Like a pack of rabid wolves, they’ll attack.” The ad itself plays into a social misunderstanding of wolves that we’ve poked holes in countless times at this point. As we delve deeper into this topic, let’s momentarily…
Defending the ESA: Why Wolves And Other Wildlife Need It
Here at the Wolf Conservation Center, our mission extends beyond the care of our on-site wolves: it’s rooted in a profound respect for the balance of ecosystems and the preservation of endangered species across the nation. Our commitment to these principles is unwavering, but we recognize that there are complex debates around how best to achieve these conservation goals. Recently, these debates have taken center stage in a series of remarks made by members of…
White House Endorses ‘Science Based’ ESA Protections
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) has been a pivotal piece of legislation in the United States for wildlife conservation since its enactment in 1973. With today’s statement from the White House supporting the ESA and opposing S.J. Res. 9, it is evident that the administration recognizes the importance of science-based decision-making and is committed to protecting the environment and wildlife, despite recent attacks from lawmakers like Lauren Boebert, who would see ESA protections rolled back.…
Important Updates On Lauren Boebert’s So-Called “Trust The Science” Act
A couple of weeks ago, we discussed the potential ramifications of the Trust the Science Act (H.R. 764) on gray wolves and other endangered species in the United States. This bill, introduced by controversial Congresswoman Lauren Boebert, aims to reinstate the USFWS final rule delisting the gray wolf nationally, not subject to judicial review. The delisting of gray wolves could lead to state-managed hunting and trapping, which might negatively impact their population and recovery efforts,…
Lauren Boebert’s War on the ESA: Ignoring the Science
Rep. Lauren Boebert’s House Bill 7766, the ironically named “Trust the Science Act”, which seeks to undermine the Endangered Species Act by allowing states to opt out of federal protection for wolves, grizzly bears, and other iconic species, has drawn criticism from wildlife experts and conservationists across the United States. Boebert has argued that state-led management of wildlife populations is the best approach, but her bill could have disastrous consequences for endangered species, particularly wolves.…
Idaho Gray Wolves Need Your Help!
You Can Speak Up For Idaho Wolves! The 2023-2028 Wolf Management Plan is available for public view from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. This plan will guide the futures of many wolves in Idaho over the next 5 years and set precedents for plans well beyond that. You can submit your official comments below, but we thought we’d give you a guide with proposed talking points that we think are the most important to address.…