Wolf hunts to proceed in Northern Rockies as judge weighs request to stop them

Wolf hunts are on, but it’s uncertain for how long

MISSOULA, Mont. — Wolf hunting will begin in the Northern Rockies as a federal judge weighs a request by environmental and animal welfare groups to stop the predators from being killed.

Hunters in Idaho, where as many as 220 wolves could be killed, are poised to head into the field Tuesday. Montana’s wolf season is set to begin Sept. 15, with a quota of 75 wolves.

After a hearing Monday on whether the hunts should be allowed, U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy gave no indication as to how he might rule

Molloy says he will make a ruling on an injunction requested by opponents of the wolf hunts as quickly as he can.

About 4,000 hunters in Idaho already have bought tags allowing them to kill a wolf. Tags went on sale Monday in Montana.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

MISSOULA, Mont. (AP) — Opponents of the first gray wolf hunts in the Northern Rockies in decades are making a last-minute bid to stop the hunting before it begins this week.

Idaho and Montana have set seasons that would allow a combined 295 wolves to be killed this fall. That’s about one-fifth of the predator’s population in the states.

Wolves were taken off the endangered species list in the two states in May. Wildlife officials say they need to keep the wolves’ numbers in check to prevent livestock killings.

The case is before U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy Monday, who last year sided with environmentalists in a similar case.

As a result of that ruling, the federal government kept about 300 wolves in Wyoming on the endangered list.