Farm Progress America, January 8, 2026

Mike Pearson takes a look at a bill passed by the House that will remove gray wolves from the Endangered Species list.

Just before Christmas, the U.S. House of Representatives took a significant step toward changing how America manages its gray wolf population. On December 18th, legislators passed the Pet and Livestock Protection Act by a narrow 211 to 204 margin, marking the latest chapter in a decades-long regulatory battle.

The legislation, sponsored by Colorado Congresswoman Laura Boebert, would direct the Interior Secretary to remove gray wolves from the endangered or threatened species list. Supporters argue that after nearly 50 years of federal protection, recovery efforts have succeeded, and management authority should return to individual states.

A History of Regulatory Changes

The gray wolf's protection status has experienced significant fluctuations in recent years. In 2020, the Trump administration delisted wolves across most of the lower 48 states, citing population growth to more than 6,000 animals. However, federal courts later overturned this decision, and the Biden administration restored federal protections.

Impact on Livestock Producers

For ranchers and livestock producers, the debate centers on predation losses and management control. While federal data shows wolves account for 1.3% of predator-related cattle losses nationally, regional impacts can be more severe:

Related: Overlooked decline in grazing livestock brings risks and opportunities

Montana reports 25 to 100 cattle lost annually to wolves

Hundreds of wolves are removed yearly under existing state hunting and trapping rules

Producers face ongoing financial and emotional costs from regulatory uncertainty

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association and Public Lands Council strongly support the legislation. NCBA President Buck Weirbean emphasized that producers have endured "years of regulatory whiplash."

Opposition and Next Steps

Environmental groups oppose the measure, with Defenders of Wildlife arguing it bypasses science-based processes and undermines judicial review. The bill includes provisions blocking future legal challenges in federal court.

The legislation now moves to the Senate, where its passage remains uncertain. The outcome will determine whether wolf management returns to state control or continues under federal oversight.