Wisconsin DNR Kills Nine Protected Gray Wolves Citing Human Safety
Nine federally protected gray wolves were killed in Price County, Wisconsin, by the Wisconsin DNR, citing human safety concerns due to repeated encounters. The removals have drawn criticism from tribal wildlife leaders, who state they were excluded from the decision-making…
Madison, WI, October 11, 2026 — In Price County, Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has confirmed the lethal removal of nine federally protected gray wolves. The agency stated that the action was taken due to concerns for human safety, following repeated encounters involving the wolves.
The removals have prompted significant criticism from various groups. Tribal wildlife leaders expressed their disappointment, asserting that they were excluded from the decision-making process that led to the wolves’ termination. Animal advocates have also raised questions regarding the necessity of the DNR’s action.
Following the backlash, the Wisconsin DNR Secretary issued an apology. The apology specifically addressed the lack of consultation with tribal nations prior to the decision to remove the wolves.
The exact nature and frequency of the “repeated encounters” cited by the DNR were not detailed in the information provided. Similarly, the specific identities of the tribal wildlife leaders or advocacy groups that voiced criticism were not specified. The status of the wolves’ federal protection and the specific protocols that allowed for their lethal removal under these circumstances were also not elaborated upon.
The Wisconsin DNR has not provided further details regarding the timeline of the encounters or the specific incidents that necessitated the lethal intervention. The agency’s decision and the subsequent apology highlight ongoing tensions between wildlife management practices, public safety concerns, and the engagement of indigenous communities and conservation organizations in ecological decisions.
Story summarized from the original created by Shaina Nijhawan on www.wmtv15news.com, see more information here.
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