A second group of conservation organizations is suing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for removing Wyoming wolves from the Endangered Species List. One lawsuit was already filed several weeks ago. The new suit has the same goal, which is to reinstate federal protections for wolves.

Wyoming has promised to maintain at least 150 wolves and 15 breeding pairs. But Duane Short with the Laramie-based Biodiversity Conservation Alliance says that’s not enough.

“There are a number of scientists that have disputed the minimum population number that supports viability,” Short said. “They claim there are far greater numbers of wolves needed to maintain population viability.”

Short also says that allowing wolves to be shot on sight in most of the state will prevent them from migrating properly.

Gov. Matt Mead has repeatedly defended the state’s management plan. He says the hunting regulations are conservative and will allow the state to maintain enough wolves.