HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana officials are planning to meet with ranchers, hunters and other groups about joining forces after a federal judge restored Endangered Species Act protections for wolves.
Wildlife officials in Montana and Idaho oppose the ruling earlier this month by U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy that blocked the states' wolf management plans and their fall hunts.
Ranchers and hunters have also blasted the ruling, saying wolves have grown too numerous and are attacking livestock and game.
Ron Aasheim of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks says state wildlife officials will meet Friday in Helena with stockgrowers, woolgrowers, hunters, farmers and other groups to discuss forming a coalition.
Aasheim says participants will discuss the state's options and a possible appeal. They meet 10 a.m. at the Red Lion Colonial Hotel in Helena.
