Anti-Wolf Attacks Have Already Begun in Congress

The 119th Congress has just begun, but serious threats to the future of wolves are already underway due to swift attacks by anti-wolf extremists in the House of Representatives. Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert has reintroduced legislation to delist the gray wolf as an endangered species nationwide. House Bill 130 would "require the Secretary of the Interior to reissue regulations removing the gray wolf from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife under the Endangered Species Act of 1973."

Congresswoman Boebert is celebrating the reintroduction of her updated and ironically named “Trust the Science Act.” On her personal website, she states, "For too long, farmers and ranchers have been powerless to defend their livestock from gray wolf attacks. The Trust the Science Act empowers states and puts people ahead of violent predators. We need to actually analyze the data objectively instead of letting Endangered Species Act listing decisions be made by leftist activists."

Boebert’s bill appears designed to pander to wealthy ranchers, despite the fact that wolves killing sheep and cattle is exceedingly rare. Many ranchers in western states benefit from enormous profits gained by grazing their livestock on public lands, however, they often resist sharing this space with native species, regardless of the harmful ecological consequences of removing keystone species from their habitats.

Wolves pose no threat to humans, have minimal contact with commercially farmed animals, and play a vital role in maintaining balanced ecosystems in western landscapes. They also attract tourists from around the world to national parks, boosting local economies.

Boebert’s bill is likely the first of many expected attacks on wolves as the new administration takes shape and the 119th Congress gains momentum. It remains unclear how the new Secretary of the Interior, Doug Burgum, will approach his role and responsibilities regarding enforcement of the Endangered Species Act. However, we will continue to apply pressure on Secretary Burgum to defend America’s wildlife.

You can make a difference for this critical and misunderstood species by signing our petition urging the Secretary of the Interior to reinstate Endangered Species Act protections for all wolves in the United States. Join the fight to protect our native carnivores before it’s too late!