FWP Update

Wolves Back on Endangered Species List
Montana wildlife officials reacted strongly to the August 6, 2010 federal court decision that placed the recovered Rocky Mountain gray wolf back on to the federal list of threatened and endangered species.

"We believe we made arguments to the judge that he could have relied on to uphold the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's decision to delist the wolf," said Joe Maurier, director of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. "We will carefully examine the ruling to determine what options remain open to Montana's wildlife managers."

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission officially asked FWP to immediately appeal the ruling to the 9th Circuit Court, and aggressively seek management options with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

"We simply can't manage wildlife successfully in that environment. We must have the ability to manage wildlife, to do our job, to seek a balance among predator and prey. As a practical matter, as wildlife managers, we need the authority to respond to the challenges wolves present every day," said Maurier.

Wolf Watch
Report sightings or signs of wolf activity at fwp.mt.gov (click on “Montana Wolves"). The information is valuable to biologists who track wolves and pack sizes; livestock producers also use the sightings to adjust livestock movements. Be ready to provide information about color, size, behavior, and precise location. The gray wolf is usually about 2.5 feet tall and 5–6 feet long, weighing 70–120 pounds. It has round ears and a broad snout. Despite its name, the gray wolf can be gray, black, tan, or white.

Remember TIP-MONT
September marks the start of big-game hunting in Montana, but poachers have been stealing your opportunity by hunting out of season, taking more animals than allowed, hunting in closed areas, or committing various other crimes. Fight poaching with 800-TIP-MONT (Turn in Poachers Montana), a toll-free number for anonymously reporting poachers and other fish- or wildlife-related violations.

Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers: Inspect. Clean. Dry.
Anglers are on the front lines when it comes to stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS). AIS are animals, plants, or disease-carrying pathogens that invade Montana and kill native fish, damage irrigation systems, and cause other serious problems. AIS often hitch a ride to do their damage—they can spread when boats or anglers move from one body of water to another. Three simple steps reduce their movement:
1. Inspect your boat, engine, waders, boots, and other gear
2. Clean off any mud, water, and or vegetation you find there
3. Dry all of your equipment (AIS can only survive in wet areas)
To learn more, visit fwp.mt.gov and click on “Inspect. Clean. Dry.”

Andrea Jones is the acting FWP Region 3 Information and Education Program Manager.