WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced he will seek to remove the gray wolf from consideration under the Endangered Species Act.  Rehberg will support legislation asking Congress to amend the 1973 act "to prohibit treatment of the Gray Wolf as an endangered species or threatened species."  The move comes in response to a recent court ruling effectively reinstating endangered status for the wolf.

"It’s become clear the courts and the environmental extremists have abandoned the principle of sound science when determining the status of the gray wolf," said Rehberg, a member of the Congressional Western Caucus.  "Years of research, dedicated efforts by land owners and local officials, and the expert opinions of on-the-ground wildlife managers have been given a back seat to profit-motivated environmental groups.  We need to call attention to this abuse and solve an issue that should have been put to rest years ago."

When Congress returns to Washington, Rehberg will cosponsor H.R. 6028, a measure introduced by Texas Representative Chet Edwards that will amend the original Endangered Species Act to prohibit gray wolves from being listed as an endangered species. 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) first issued the decision to delist the wolf in 2008, after the species had met revised recovery goals of 30 breeding pairs and 300 wolves for eight consecutive years.  Wildlife biologists estimate there are 1,700 wolves in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, eastern Oregon and Washington.  Wolves were first placed on the endangered species list in 1974.

"The evidence of a recovery for the gray wolf is as plain as day, yet Montana stock-growers and wildlife managers have their hands tied when it comes to managing the predator," said Rehberg, who in February urged the White House to adhere to an FWS opinion that the wolf be delisted in Montana and Idaho.  "Stock losses and big game depredation caused by an uncontrolled wolf population are a real concern in Montana, and the state’s responsible management plan needs to be put in place."

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