JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) — A federal wolf expert has retired, and the federal Fish and Wildlife Service says it is not planning to fill the position because the agency doesn't expect to be in charge of wolves after legislation was drafted and lawsuits were filed to take wolves out of the hands of federal managers.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife coordinator Mike Jimenez worked as the Northern Rockies wolf management and science coordinator and Wyoming recovery program manager.

Mike Thabault, Fish and Wildlife's assistant regional director for ecological services, says the agency is going to manage wolves in a way that helps local residents.

Routine wolf management will continue, including working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Wildlife Services on livestock issues.

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