Since 2011, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has actively worked to remove the gray wolf from the endangered species list based on the overwhelming scientific evidence that the species has recovered drastically in recent years. Despite efforts to make progress on the issue, including numerous rulemakings to highlight the recovery wolves have made in Midwestern states, most significantly Minnesota and Wisconsin, the delisting process has been blocked by DC-based judges through the judicial review process required by the Endangered Species Act.

This delayed process has allowed wolf populations to grow substantially, which has led to an increase in wolf related depredations. Livestock and pets throughout northern areas of the state, including areas in the Sixth District, have been killed by wolves. From 1980 to 2017, Wisconsin farmers experienced over 2,000 wolf related depredations to their livestock to go along with 354 attacks on domestic pets. Over the past four years, an average of 132 livestock have been killed by wolves and 26 pets per year.

Wisconsin and other states have shown that they have the ability to manage wolf populations at the state level and keep them at a healthy, sustainable degree. There is no reason for farmers livestock to be at risk and for residents to lose their beloved dogs and cats when Wisconsin can maintain a healthy wolf population at the state level. Voting to remove wolves from the Endangered Species List and put control back into the hands of the states gives farmers and residents the peace of mind that they deserve.