Dire Wolves Rise, Protections Fall

The Trump administration removed protections for gray wolves across most of the contiguous United States in 2020, a move environmental groups and some scientists criticized. Citing recovered populations, the administration declared the wolves no longer endangered or threatened. However, a recent scientific paper in *BioScience* argues this delisting was premature and based on flawed science, essentially labeling it a "zombie" policy. The authors contend that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) relied on outdated genetic information and overlooked significant threats to wolf populations, such as habitat loss and human-caused mortality. The paper argues the delisting decision was not based on the best available science, a legal requirement. Specifically, the researchers point to the USFWS's failure to adequately consider the genetic distinctiveness of certain wolf populations, particularly in the western states. They also criticize the lack of consideration for the long-term impacts of hunting and trapping, and the insufficient protections for wolves dispersing into new territories. The paper suggests the delisting decision was politically motivated, aligning with the Trump administration's broader agenda of reducing environmental regulations and prioritizing resource extraction. They urge the USFWS to reinstate federal protections for gray wolves and to adopt a more comprehensive and scientifically sound approach to wolf management. find the original article here: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/dire-wolves-resurrected-trump-administration-000333896.html