Story perspectives

House Passes Controversial Bill to Delist Gray Wolf

12/19/2025

Summary

Story summary

On December 18, 2025, the U.S. House passed H.R. 845, Pet and Livestock Protection Act, delisting the gray wolf.
The bill is supported by Representatives Lauren Boebert and Troy Downing.
Conservation groups oppose the bill, arguing it would invite trophy hunting and threaten the gray wolf.
Legal battles over Montana wolf management continue as quotas rise, prompting lawsuits.
The bill now moves to the Senate, where passage requires 60 votes.

History

Historical Context

The Endangered Species Act (ESA), enacted in 1973, aimed to protect species like the gray wolf, which had dwindled to about 1,000 individuals in the lower 48 states. The recent passage of H.R. 845 highlights ongoing conflicts between conservation efforts and hunting interests, reflecting historical tensions in wildlife management. As of 2023, 1,556 species remain protected under the ESA, underscoring its significance in biodiversity conservation.

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Story summary

On December 18, 2025, the U.S. House passed H.R. 845, Pet and Livestock Protection Act, delisting the gray wolf.
The bill is supported by Representatives Lauren Boebert and Troy Downing.
Conservation groups oppose the bill, arguing it would invite trophy hunting and threaten the gray wolf.
Legal battles over Montana wolf management continue as quotas rise, prompting lawsuits.
The bill now moves to the Senate, where passage requires 60 votes.

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