ST. PAUL, Minn. — State officials say Minnesotans can no longer kill wolves unless their lives are in danger.
The change was brought about by a federal judge's ruling Friday effectively restoring gray wolves to the endangered species list in Great Lakes states.
Department of Natural Resources spokesman Chris Niskanen says that means farmers and ranchers concerned about wolves preying on cattle can't kill the wolves themselves. Instead, they should call conservation officers.
U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell's decision could also halt Minnesota's wolf hunting and trapping seasons. But Niskanen says the federal government's stance could change again before the state sets its wolf hunting season next summer.
