J & J Ranch, Stone Mtn, GA

The recent news that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has halted their plans to remove the grey wolf  from the Endangered Species Act (ESA) imparts a feeling of guarded hope.

Why the indefinite delay was ordered is unclear, but perhaps the pressure exerted by the general public, government officials and wildlife biologists has had an effect.

Last week, a letter sent to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell from Arizona Congressman Raul Grijalva urged the pause on delisting to be made permanent. Grijalva states,  “Now is the time to support full wolf recovery, not shut down our efforts.”

Other letters in support of the grey wolf have also made their way to Jewell’s office. One from the American Society of Mammologists explains that the society members anticipate the day when wolves no longer need federal protection, but they add, “… we believe it is premature to declare that that day has arrived.”

Sixteen…