LANSING, Mich. (WZZM) -- Wolves are no longer on the federal endangered species list in the western Great Lakes region, though they will remain a protected species in the state of Michigan.
The state Department of Natural Resources issued a news release Friday, stating that management authority over the animals is now being handled by the DNR.
The removal from the federal list will allow homeowners and farmers with livestock more options in protecting their property from problem wolves.
"De-listing is a victory for the state and for Michigan citizens who have been affected by this issue," said DNR Director Rodney Stokes in the news release. "The state's healthy wolf population is a reminder that Michigan still has places where wild animals such as wolves can live and thrive.
"Fully implementing the state's Wolf Management Plan will allow us to more effectively respond to problem wolves, while maintaining a self-sustaining wolf population and increasing social acceptance of the species as a whole," said Stokes.
State regulators are still recommending non-lethal methods of removing problem wolves as the first option but, under the new designation, Michigan residents will be able to legally protect their livestock and dogs if an animal is being attacked by a wolf.
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