Wolves in Alabama

Alabama was once home to wolves, but intensive hunting and trapping wiped them out. Though wolves no longer roam our forests, Alabamians can still play a crucial role in their survival.

What's at Stake

Gray wolves at risk

Today, gray wolves exist in small, fragmented populations, occupying only a fraction of their historical range. The Endangered Species Act has been vital in protecting them from trophy hunting and trapping. However, these protections are under threat. Wolves in the Northern Rockies have already lost federal protections, leading to widespread killing, and other wolf populations could soon face the same fate.

Legislative threats

A deceptively named law, the Trust the Science Act (H.R. 764/S. 1895), is moving through Congress. If passed, it would remove federal protections from gray wolves across the U.S. and block courts from reversing the decision. This bill has already passed the House and now awaits a Senate vote. Another major threat is the Department of the Interior Appropriations Act (H.R. 8998), which includes a rider that would strip federal protections from gray wolves in the lower 48 states.

Deadly consequences

In 2011, Congress removed protections from wolves in the Northern Rockies wolves, turning management over to the states. Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming enacted extreme anti-wolf laws, resulting in brutal trophy hunts. Since then, thousands of wolves have been slaughtered in the region, and the killing continues.

Executive threats

Gray wolves outside the Northern Rockies were stripped of their protective status by the Trump administration. A month later, Wisconsin held a wolf hunt, which spiraled out of control—218 wolves were killed in less than three days, far exceeding the planned quota. Thankfully, these protections were restored by a federal judge in 2022. Unfortunately, the threat has returned. On Sept.13, 2024, the Biden administration asked a federal appeals court to overturn that ruling. If successful, gray wolves nationwide will be subject to state laws which often prioritize trophy hunting and trapping.

Elect to Protect

Now is the time to act—before its too late. Vote for officials who will protect wolves and raise your voice for their future.

Your Elected Officals