LANSING – The Michigan House recently passed a plan proposed by State Representative Mike Lahti (D-Hancock) that allows residents to use lethal means to destroy a gray wolf that is in the act of preying upon their livestock.
"The gray wolf has made a remarkable comeback," Lahti said. "It is no longer listed as a federal endangered species, and is in the process of being removed from the state endangered species list. A farmer who sees a gray wolf attacking their livestock should have every option available to them in order to protect their livelihood."
Under Lahti's bill, which he introduced at the request of residents in his district, a person who kills a gray wolf attacking their livestock will be required to report the incident to a conservation officer within 12 hours. The person would then maintain possession of the gray wolf until a conservation officer is available to take possession of it and transfer it to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for examination. The DNR would also be required to respond within 12 hours. A violation of these requirements would be a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to 90 days and/or a fine of $100 to $1,000 and the costs of prosecution.
Lahti supported another bill, sponsored by Rep. Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard), which passed the House that allows people to kill a gray wolf that is attacking a pet. The Upper Peninsula wolf population was estimated to be at 509 in a census conducted earlier this year. This number continues to grow at a rate of 15% per year.
"The gray wolves of the Western Upper Peninsula have grown too comfortable with local residents," Lahti said. "This plan will allow farmers to keep their livestock safe and reestablish boundaries that are good for both humans and wolves."