Pre-white settlement
Wolves roam statewide.
Late 1800s through mid-1960s
Bounties offered as wolves increasingly prey on livestock. Some wolves killed by poison, others by airplane.
1974
State's 500-750 wolves protected by federal Endangered Species Act.
1978
Fish and Wildlife Service recovery plan says, "If re-establishment of the wolf is accomplished, regulated taking undoubtedly will be necessary."
1992
Revised federal plan recommends recovered Minnesota population of 1,251 to 1,400 wolves.
1998
Minnesota has estimated wintering population of 2,445 wolves.
2001
Minnesota writes wolf management plan, calling for hunting and trapping five years after ESA delisting.
2003-04
Minnesota wolf population: 3,000.
2004
Feds propose to delist Minnesota,
Wisconsin and Michigan wolves.
2005
Courts overturn delisting proposal.
2006 Feds again propose to delist.
2008 Wolves again listed under ESA.
April 2009
Another delisting rule published.
July 2009
Rule withdrawn to allow more public comment.
September 2009
Court: Minnesota wolves to remain under ESA.
May 2011 Feds again propose to delist.
January 2012
DNR assumes state wolf management.
May 2012
Legislature establishes fall 2012 wolf hunting and trapping seasons.
Summer 2012
DNR takes 7,000 wolf season comments in online survey.
September 2012 Center for Biological Diversity and Howling for Wolves sue DNR. Court favors DNR.
October 2012 Humane Society and Fund for Animals file intent to sue over delisting, saying: "The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service put faith in the state wildlife agencies to responsibly manage wolf populations. But their overzealous and extreme plans to allow for trophy hunting and recreational trapping immediately after de-listing demonstrate that such confidence was unwarranted."
Special report: Go behind Minnesota's pro-athlete curtain to see how the best athletes in our state get ready for their biggest moment: gameday.
