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SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) — A proposal by the Trump administration to lift protections for gray wolves across the Lower 48 states is getting a mixed reaction in Washington state.
State officials estimated a year ago that Washington contained a minimum of 122 wolves, grouped in at least 22 packs, with 14 successful breeding pairs. The wolf population was estimated to grow 30 percent a year, and had come into conflict with livestock.
Republican U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse, who represents central Washington, hailed Wednesday's announcement, which he said will return management of the species back to the states and tribes.
The Center for Biological Diversity criticized the decision, saying wolves are struggling to survive in the state.
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