The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a previous ruling by a federal judge regarding the management of wolves in Idaho.
Environmentalist groups filed suit challenging the authority and actions of Wildlife Services which is tasked with dealing with problem wildlife. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game uses Wildlife Services in areas where predators have a significant impact on elk and other big game.
The elk population In Idaho’s Lolo Zone numbered more than 10,000 in 1992 but due to a combination of factors, including declining habitat and a full menu of predators including wolves, mountain lions and bears, a 2017 survey estimated the population at less than 1,900.
The recent ruling guarantees the groups will have another day in court.
(Photo source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)