Montana, Idaho send wolf hunting plans to feds

[September 28, 2010]  BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) -- Montana officials are seeking federal approval to kill 186 endangered gray wolves in a special "conservation hunt," while neighboring Idaho wants permission to kill up to 50 of the predators that officials say are eating too many elk.

Documents released Monday detailed the states' new plans to kill wolves despite a court ruling that restored their endangered species status.

Wildlife managers say the Aug. 5 ruling from U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy did not account for the growing impact of wolves on livestock and big game herds across the Northern Rockies.

In separate applications filed over the last two weeks with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Idaho and Montana said their plans to kill wolves were permissible under the Endangered Species Act.

[Associated Press; By MATTHEW BROWN]

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