Budget deal defunds wolf depredation program

The federal program that controls wolf depredation in Minnesota is looking for money. The budget agreement in Washington last week effectively eliminated funding for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services program. In Minnesota, that program is headquartered in Grand Rapids.

The Wildlife Services Regional office has directed Minnesota to continue investigating wolf complaints and killing problem wolves while USDA looks for alternative sources of funding. Last year the Grand Rapids office investigated over 270 wolf complaints and lethally trapped or shot 192 wolves which they confirmed had attacked livestock or pets.

Wolves in Minnesota are currently classified as “threatened” under the federal Endangered Species Act, and state officials have no management authority over the animals.

Department of Natural Resources officials have asked Gov. Mark Dayton to seek help from the state’s congressional delegation to find funds so wolf depredation control can continue.