Dear Jenni,

Thank you for contacting me regarding the removal of gray wolves from the endangered species list under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). 

As you know, the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is primarily responsible for the management of the endangered species list.  In 2009, FWS decided to delist the gray wolf in the northern Rocky Mountains and western Great Lakes regions.  While the Wyoming gray wolf remained on the endangered species list, in August 2012, FWS determined the population had sufficiently recovered and delisted the gray wolf in Wyoming.

The delisting of the gray wolf ultimately means that management of this animal will fall to state wildlife agencies.  FWS will continue to monitor the recovery of these populations and revisit the delisting action at the end of a certain period.  This process will appropriately determine what protections are necessary for conserving the gray wolf population. 

Again, thank you for contacting me. I look forward to continuing our conversation on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SenatorBlunt) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/RoyBlunt) about the important issues facing Missouri and the country. I also encourage you to visit my website (blunt.senate.gov) to learn more about where I stand on the issues and sign-up for my e-newsletter.

Sincere regards,

Roy Blunt
United States Senator