Animal Activists Seek Stop to Idaho, Montana Wolf Hunts

Wildlife advocates appeared in federal court Tuesday seeking to stop gray wolf hunts that are already well under way in the Northern Rockies, arguing that Congress overstepped its authority in removing federal protections from the canines.

Tuesday's hearing was before a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Pasadena, Calif. The 9th Circuit agreed to hear the case on an expedited basis, but several groups involved in the lawsuit requested an injunction to stop the killing of wolves while the case is pending.

It is not clear when a decision will be issued, though two previous requests for injunctions were denied.

In related news, a panel of Wyoming lawmakers voted Tuesday to recommend approval of a plan that could remove federal protections from gray wolves in the state as soon as next year.

Also, next week the State of Idaho is launching a new offensive in its battle against a growing gray wolf population. On Nov. 15, Idaho will begin allowing the public to trap wolves in an effort to bring their numbers under control.

Reprinted in part from KXLY.com