Michigan's gray wolves have spent decades teetering on the edge of extinction. After years of federal protection, they've finally made a comeback — with roughly 760 wolves now living in the Upper Peninsula, the highest number in 14 years. That recovery is a conservation success story. A new state bill threatens to undo it.

State Rep. Dave Prestin recently introduced House Bill 6008, which would force the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to open a wolf hunting season within just 90 days if Congress removes federal Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves. That's not enough time to conduct meaningful scientific review or public input. And it's not enough time for the state to consult with tribal nations who hold treaty rights and deep cultural connections to wolves in this region.

Even Rebecca Humphries, chair of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission — the body that regulates hunting and fishing in the state — acknowledged that hitting the 90-day window would be "a bit tight." If the people responsible for implementing this plan are already raising doubts, lawmakers should be listening.

Wolves play a critical role in keeping Michigan's ecosystems healthy. Removing them quickly and without careful planning could have consequences that are difficult to reverse. Wildlife researchers have noted that the health of deer and moose populations is affected by many factors — including habitat conditions, winter severity, and disease — not wolves alone.

Michigan deserves better than a rushed decision on a species that took decades to recover. We're calling on the Michigan Legislature to reject House Bill 6008 and ensure that any future wolf management decisions are made with full scientific review, meaningful public participation, and respect for tribal sovereignty — not an arbitrary 90-day countdown.

Sign this petition to urge Michigan lawmakers to stop HB 6008 and protect gray wolves from a rushed hunting mandate.