A Montana state court has just denied our request to limit wolf trophy hunting and trapping in the state until the merits of our still pending lawsuit can be heard. While we are extremely disappointed by this immediate outcome, we have a long battle ahead in our ongoing lawsuit.
Like you, I’m discouraged in this moment. I had hoped we could win a longer reprieve for wolves. But this outcome has only deepened my resolve to win this case—and win others we’re bringing for wolves in Montana and across the West.
As I told you previously, on October 27, WildEarth Guardians and Project Coyote filed a lawsuit to stop the unscientific and senseless wolf slaughter in Montana. Already this winter, 70 wolves have been killed and 386 more could be killed—up to 40 percent of the state’s wolf population.
While a Montana judge didn’t grant our request for a preliminary injunction, we now must begin the lengthy process of preparing the entire case for trial. Despite this setback, we remain confident in a positive outcome for Montana’s wolves.
I need you to do three things right now to make sure we’re successful:
First, if you can, please donate to our Wolf Defense Fund to ensure we have the resources we need to defend wolves as our lawsuit makes its way through the court system.
Second, I know many of you have already done this, but we must keep the pressure on the Biden administration by demanding that they immediately issue emergency relisting protections under the Endangered Species Act for the gray wolf in Montana and across the Northern Rocky Mountains.
Finally, sign up for our E-news to get the latest updates and action alerts about our work to protect wolves.
I wanted you to hear this update directly from me. I know news like this is difficult to receive. All of us at WildEarth Guardians are disappointed today.
But know that we won’t stop until wolves are protected! They need all of us as Guardians more than ever, and we remain committed to the long-term health and recovery of gray wolves. We hope you’ll stand with us.
