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(Helianthus spp.), and grass (Poa spp.). Adult females from forested habitats had 32% less body
weight, and 72% less total fat than adult females from agricultural habitats (Dunton et al. 2009). The
MNDNR will collect approximately 15 to 20 turkeys on Camp Ripley from December 2009 through
March 2010.
Camp Ripley Mammals
Gray Wolf (Canis lupus)
Federal Court Decision
Through federal action and by encouraging the establishment of state programs, the 1973
Endangered Species Act provided for the conservation of ecosystems upon which threatened and
endangered species of fish, wildlife, and plants depend (USFWS 2008b). The gray wolf was first
protected under the Endangered Species Act in 1974. During the mid- to late-1970‟s the MNDNR
estimated the wolf population at about 1,000 to 1,200; based on a 2003-2004 survey, the population
had grown to approximately 3,000 animals. Results from the 2007-2008 survey estimated that the
current population remains at just under that number (2,921) (Erb 2008).
For decades, the number of wolves in Minnesota has exceeded the recovery criteria
established by the federal wolf recovery plan. Currently, Minnesota's population of more than 2,900
wolves is second only to Alaska among U.S. states and exceeds the federal delisting goal of 1,251-
1,400. Minnesota's wolves occupy nearly all of the suitable areas in the state. Minnesota has one of
the highest wolf densities recorded anywhere, and the population has remained stable for nearly 10
years.
On March 12, 2007, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed Endangered Species Act
protection for the gray wolf in the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Management of
wolves in Minnesota was turned over to the state based upon its 2001 Minnesota Wolf Management
Plan. However, on September 29, 2008, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
overturned the Department of the Interior's decision to remove the gray wolf (Great Lakes Distinct
Population Segment) from federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) protection. The status of gray
wolves in Minnesota is once again threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
All provisions of state wolf management have been suspended until gray wolves are delisted
again in Minnesota. Wolf management authority lies with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS). Under federal law no one can take a wolf under any circumstances to protect livestock
and pets. Wolves may be killed in defense of human life. Authorized government agents may take
wolves where verified depredation occurs. Taking of wolves to protect livestock and pets, which
was allowed under state management, is no longer allowed (MNDNR 2009).
2009 Conservation Program Report
Page 58