Wolf researcher for federal gov't takes issue with wolf plan

One of five scientists retained by the federal government says he sees shortcomings in Wyoming's proposed wolf management plan.

While four of the scientists generally approved of the plan, wolf researcher John A. Vucetich of Michigan says it's vague on how to reconcile conflicts between wolves and elk and may overestimate the mortality wolf populations can sustain.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service retained the five scientists to evaluate Wyoming's wolf plan.

Gov. Matt Mead and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar agreed last summer to end federal protections for wolves in Wyoming.

Their deal calls for Wyoming to maintain at least 10 breeding pairs and 100 wolves. Wolves would be protected as trophy game animals in northwestern Wyoming but classified as predators that could be shot on sight elsewhere.