NCBA Calls On Senate To Delist The Gray Wolf

The largest cattle organizations are urging the Senate to return gray wolf management to the states. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association, Public Lands Council, and Wisconsin Cattlemen's Association are backing legislation that would remove Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves across the lower 48 states.

This Is Not Just A Cattle Issue

“Gray wolves are no longer hovering on the brink of extinction and represent a successful recovery,” said Skye Krebs, NCBA vice president and Oregon rancher. “Populations are thriving, but Endangered Species Act protections limit management and allow these apex predators to negatively impact rural communities and family-owned cattle operations that are vital to rural economies. This is not just a cattle industry issue, it’s a public safety, economic, and governance concern. The last three U.S. presidents have recognized wolf recovery. Cattle producers and rural communities across the country are urging Congress to return gray wolf management to the states.”

The organization argue repeated losses create both financial hardship and emotional stress for family cattle operations and rural communities.

The ESA Has Been Weaponized

“The science has been clear across both Democrat and Republican administrations: the gray wolf has recovered," said Tim Canterbury, PLC president and Colorado rancher. "Animal activist groups have weaponized the Endangered Species Act in court to keep wolves listed, leaving rural communities to manage abundant apex predator populations with limited tools. Ranchers and rural communities across the West face economic and emotional strain as wolf populations that prey on livestock and pets. We strongly urge the Senate to pass this critical legislation and restore state management authority."

The legislation the organization are supporting is backed by Wisconsin Republican Senator Ron Johnson, who recently sought unanimous Senate approval. Although the effort was blocked, cattle groups said they'll continue pushing Congress to pass the bill, saying states are best equipped to balance wolf conservation with protecting ranchers and their livestock.

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