There are now about 1,500 wolves in region. The animal's population has rebounded dramatically since the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reintroduced 66 Canadian wolves to the region in 1995 and 1996. Wildlife agencies in the three states are planning fall hunts to reduce that number. That is partly in response to increasing numbers of livestock killed as the predator's population has grown.

Environmental groups intend to file a lawsuit next month to restore federal protection. They contend there are too few for public hunting, and that the animal could be driven toward extinction.