Wyoming's congressional delegation is unanimously lauding the formal decision to lifted endangered species protection for wolves in Wyoming and return the management of Wyoming's wolves back to the state. The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington D.C. entered the order on Tuesday.

The Congressional response was not surprising. U.S. Senator Mike Enzi applauded the order.

“This order means a lot to the state of Wyoming and brings wolf conservation back to where it belongs. It is Wyoming wildlife managers who know best how to manage Wyoming’s wildlife. I applaud all those who have worked so hard with stakeholders and the federal government over the years to create an effective and balanced wolf management plan.”

U.S. Congressman Liz Cheney said it is welcome news.

"...to Wyoming’s ranchers, sportsmen, and outfitters, but also serves as a reminder that state agencies are in the best position to manage wildlife. Allowing liberal environmentalists to abuse the Endangered Species Act to perpetuate a culture of ‘management by litigation’ threatens our wildlife, property rights, and people. Wyoming’s wolf management plan is a result of years of hard work by leaders and citizens across Wyoming. The federal government needs to get out of the way and allow local experts to implement programs that meet the unique needs of their state’s wildlife. I look forward to continuing my work in Congress to ensure species population management in Wyoming is conducted in a way that serves the best interests of our state.”

U.S. Senator John Barrasso, who is chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, concurs.

"This court mandate now puts the management of the wolf where it should have been all along, under the control of Wyoming, not Washington."

The Wyoming Wolf Management plan designates wolves as predators that can be shot on sight, in all but the Trophy Game Management Area in Northwestern Wyoming, which is subject to hunting seasons. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department says there is not an active hunting season in place.

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