Wolf killing rule is contested

BILLINGS, Mont. -- Environmental groups have sued to block a federal rule that would allow state wildlife agents to kill more endangered gray wolves in the Northern Rockies.

Federal officials want to empower state wildlife agencies to kill off packs of wolves in Idaho, Wyoming and Montana if they are having a "major impact" on big game herds, particularly elk.

Environmental groups claim that as many as 600 of the region's 1,500 wolves could be killed as a result. Seven groups announced Monday they had filed an injunction in U.S. District court in Missoula to block the rule.

Wolves rebounded from near-extinction in the region over the past decade, after they were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho.

Earthjustice attorney Doug Honnold, who filed the suit on behalf of the environmental groups, said the federal government had caved to pressure from state officials who "want to kill those wolves as soon as possible."

State and federal officials responded Monday that the environmental groups' claims were exaggerated and that far fewer wolves -- possibly in the dozens -- would be killed.

The rule also would allow for the killing of wolves caught attacking stock animals or dogs.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is preparing to remove wolves from the endangered species list next month.

Under delisting, all three states could set hunting and trapping seasons for wolves.

The new rule would go into effect only if that delisting is held up in court.