Gray wolves in Michigan have taken off the federal endangered species list and may now be shot if they pose a threat to local wildlife. Last December, the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) placed management of wolves into the hands of local DNR officials in Michigan. The Wolf Management Plan went into effect Friday, says Click on Detroit. Here are details about Michigan's wolf population and the new guidelines surrounding them.
* Gray wolves were once nearly extinct in Michigan and all over the Midwest. Now there are over 1,000 of them. According to the U.S. FWS species profile, most gray wolves live in Michigan's upper peninsula in all 15 counties. In Michigan's lower peninsula, gray wolves have been spotted in Emmet, Cheboygan and Presque Isle counties.
* Michigan's increasing wolf numbers has led to a redefining of national wolf populations. The U.S. Department of the Interior FWS federal registry was recently revised. Wolves in Michigan, which were formerly counted in the Minnesota population, are now being delineated as the Western Great Lakes (WGL) Distinct Population Segment (DPS).
* The WGL DPS gray wolves were removed from the national endangered and protected list because they no longer meet the department's qualifications. Michigan's gray wolf designated "critical habitat"' classification has been removed as well.
* As per the Michigan DNR Wolf Management Plan, farmers and dog owners may now shoot wolves if they are harassing, endangering or engaging dogs or farm animals. The wolf must be in the act of threatening the animals.
* The Michigan DNR lists three things that residents must do if they kill a predatory wolf: Contact Report all Poaching (RAP) within 12 hours of the kill. Retain the carcass until a DNR officer arrives to collect it (within 12 hours of the call). Do not touch the carcass or move it, unless it is blocking a traveled area (it may be moved to a secure place, but must be photographed before moving).
* The MDNR asks that homeowners find non-lethal ways to address problems with wolves. They offer their consultation services in the event a wolf is spotted. Michigan Wolf Sightings offers humane resources for dealing with wolves as well.
* The MDNR will continue to list gray wolves on their threatened species list. It is illegal to hunt or trap wolves unless they pose a viable threat to livestock or pets. Violation of these laws means a $1,000 fine, 90 days in jail or both.
Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben writes about people, places, events and issues in her home state of "Pure Michigan."
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