1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

The war on American wildlife has gone too far. Gray wolves were once widespread across the United States, but centuries of intense persecution and habitat loss have drastically reduced their numbers and range. Even with current Endangered Species Act protections, they now occupy only 10% of their historic territory, and key populations are suffering from declining genetic diversity. The species is demonstrably not recovered. H.R. 845 would mandate a premature delisting, guaranteeing the reversal of this fragile progress. The consequences of premature delisting are severe and established. Following the 2020 federal delisting, Wisconsin held its first wolf hunt in seven years. In less than three days, hunters slaughtered 218 wolves—exceeding the state’s quota by more than 100 animals. In Montana and Idaho, where state management began earlier, the nationwide delisting empowered legislators to enact aggressive anti-wolf laws. These measures expanded trapping and hunting seasons and authorized brutal new methods of killing. These policies foster a sickening culture of cruelty, as evidenced by a shocking incident in Wyoming last year. A man intentionally ran down a young female wolf with his snowmobile, severely injured her, then transported her to a local bar. There, with her mouth taped shut, she was paraded before patrons for photographs before being killed outside the establishment. Please vote NO on H.R. 845.