From the Northwest Angle to Winona, Minnesota is home to some of the world’s most spectacular natural resources. For generations, Minnesotans from every background have used these natural resources to feed their families, grow their businesses, and simply enjoy the great outdoors.

However, a serious threat has emerged over the last 50 years. Sportsmen and women across Minnesota are facing a new challenge, the gray wolf.

Minnesota is home to the largest population of gray wolves in the lower 48 states. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) estimates that nearly 2,700 wolves roam throughout Minnesota, according to official estimates. In reality, the DNR is likely undercounting the population in our state by hundreds if not thousands of wolves, and they are having a serious impact on wildlife populations, the agriculture community, and even threatening the safety of our beloved pets.

Across Minnesota, hunters are seeing a decline in deer populations due to wolf predation yet are unable to take any action due to the wolf’s protected status as an endangered species. However, this 1978 classification is outdated. Populations in Minnesota aside, there are between 7,000 and 11,000 gray wolves living in Alaska, and another 60,000 in Canada. The gray wolf population has recovered by any objective scientific definition.

That is why we were proud to co-sponsor the Pet and Livestock Protection Act. Simply put, this legislation would remove the gray wolf from the endangered species list, enabling state and local governments to manage their own gray wolf populations.

Minnesotans have proven that we can responsibly manage our lands and wildlife while protecting our environment, opportunities for sportsmen and women, and our agriculture communities