Have no fear, elections are here!

September 19, 2024
By: 
Maureen Hackett

This is no time to be fearful of the recent news that the USFWS is appealing the decision to protect wolves in the lower 48 states. Instead, it is time to vote. There is reason for hope for wolves with a possible Harris Walz Whitehouse.

We know many are very concerned that the Biden administration’s USFWS is joining the appeal to overturn the endangered species listing of nearly all wolves. Here are some insights we have to help keep you calm:

  • USFWS always supports delisting no matter who is in the Whitehouse. So rather than point fingers at the current administration, realize there are powerful special interest groups influencing agencies’ actions when it comes to wildlife.
  • One of our best push-back levers is at the ballot box. Voting is an important tool and we have the opportunity to use it. We will vote like wolves depend on it.
  • The Trump administration took all wolves out from federal protections and called it a day on wolf recovery. Then the slaughters happened.
  • Harris and Walz both have far better track records when it comes to wolves. 
  • Our courts help keep agencies in-check. The courts have generally protected wolves from the USFWS’ delisting up to this point and government lawyers for USFWS have lost every time. Which is why wolves still exist in the lower 48 states.
  • If you care about wolves, you have to care about the courts. The future of the federal bench  is in the hands of the next president and congress—so vote pro-wolf.
  • The appeals case is complex and will take time, likely more than a year. 

 Of course, we shake our finger at the Biden administration for allowing the USFWS to join appellants like the State of Utah and Safari Club International to stop wolf recovery. This shows the power behind the push to stop wolf recovery.

For local Minnesota races— early voting starts September 20, 2024!

We know the candidates in Minnesota who will stand up for wolf packs at the State Capitol. Every seat in the MN House of Representatives is up for election this year.  

To see your local candidates’ positions on wolf hunting and trapping in Minnesota, as well as other issues affecting Minnesota wolves, follow the link to the 2024 candidate survey responses and incumbents’ votes at the legislature. 

 LEARN ABOUT YOUR CANDIDATES' POSITIONS >