The Idaho Department of Fish and Game confirmed the state is moving forward as soon as weather permits with plans to kill as many as two thirds of the wolves in the Lolo District of Clearwater National Forest – possibly leaving only 25 or 30 wolves in the district in a misguided attempt to increase elk numbers for hunter harvest. 

The killing could begin any day now, when snowfall and a break in the storm in the area will make it easier for federal agents in helicopters to find, target, and kill wolves in this wild area of Northeastern Idaho. 

According to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game director, if Wildlife Services -- the federal agency charged with the killing -- is allowed to move forward with this plan, the state hopes to expand the use of federal dollars and aerial culling to other national forests in Idaho.  

The Obama Administration has not yet indicated how it will respond to Idaho’s request to use federal money and staff to kill these wolves on federal lands, or why it would be justified in doing so since these wolves are on federal lands and not in major conflict with livestock.

President Obama committed early in his term to put science front and center of decisions about wildlife and the environment, and this is a clear step away from that commitment.

Stop the senseless killing of wolves in Idaho - take action today.