Jill Fritz, director of Keep Michigan Wolves Protected, issues the following statement

“A federal District Court has just ruled that sport hunting and trapping of wolves in the Great Lakes region must end immediately. Wolves in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are now protected. This is a huge victory for our campaign and the thousands of supporters who worked tirelessly to save these majestic animals.

“The Humane Society of the United States and a coalition of wildlife protection groups filed suit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to overturn its 2011 decision stripping wolves of their Endangered Species Act protections. And today, the court overturned this reckless decision. This comes just six weeks after voters in Michigan soundly rejected a trophy hunting season in the state and also rejected the idea of a seven-member group of political appointees making decisions about whether wolves should be hunted, trapped, or hounded.

“In light of today's federal court decision, Keep Michigan Wolves Protected is reviewing our legal options regarding the possible challenge to legislation adopted by the state legislature that would take away the citizens' right to have a say on important wildlife decisions. Lansing politicians have passed three separate laws in their zeal to allow wolf hunting and to undermine voter rights, but the restored federal protections for wolves trump all past and future hostile action by the state.”