JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — A federal district court Thursday struck down a 2020 decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that removed federal protections from gray wolves across much of the U.S.
The Trump administration delisted the gray wolf after 45 years of protection under the Endangered Species Act despite the strong disagreement from experts who noted that the wolf’s recovery hinged on continued protections. Although President Biden expressed personal concern for wolves, the Biden administration chose to defend the delisting decision.
The ruling throws out the Trump administration delisting rule and reinstates federal protections for wolves in 44 states.
“Wolves need federal protection, period,” said Kristen Boyles, attorney at Earthjustice. “The Fish and Wildlife Service should be ashamed of defending the gray wolf delisting, and it should take immediate action to restore Endangered Species Act protections to all gray wolves, including those in Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana.”
Jamie Rappaport Clark, CEO and president at Defenders of Wildlife, added, “Today’s ruling is a significant victory for gray wolves and for all those who value nature and the public’s role in protecting these amazing creatures. Restoring federal protections means that these vitally important animals will receive the necessary support to recover and thrive in the years ahead.”
Earthjustice challenged the wolf delisting in a lawsuit on behalf of Defenders of Wildlife, Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club, National Parks Conservation Association, Oregon Wild, and the Humane Society of the United States in January of 2021; that lawsuit was joined by another coalition of conservation groups and the Natural Resources Defense Council.
