Conservation groups sue over Montana wolf harvest SLAUGHTER rules

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Two conservation groups have filed a lawsuit against the state of Montana and its wildlife management agency alleging it illegally set hunting and trapping policies and quotas intended to reduce the gray wolf population by making it easier to kill the predators.

WildEarth Guardians and Project Coyote filed the lawsuit Thursday in District Court in Helena asking for the new laws and resulting increased quotas to be overturned.

Montana’s Republican-controlled Legislature in 2021 passed bills that allowed the state to reduce the wolf population, authorize additional hunting methods, allow extended hunting seasons, allow an individual to kill up to 20 wolves and allow private parties to offer bounties for hunting or trapping wolves.

The conservation groups allege management decisions are being made based on a wolf plan that was created in 2002 and was amended to use a new wolf population model without following state rulemaking procedures and without public participation.

The state Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks does not comment on pending litigation, spokesperson Greg Lemon said Friday.

Montana officials authorized the killing of 450 wolves during the winter of 2021-22, but ended up shutting down hunting near Yellowstone National Park after 23 wolves from the park were killed in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho. All but five of them were killed in Montana.

A total of 273 wolves were reported killed in Montana last winter. This year, Montana’s Fish and Wildlife Commission authorized the killing of 456 wolves, including just six in an area north of Yellowstone park. Hunters can take up to 20 wolves — 10 by hunting and 10 by trapping.

The conservation groups argue this year’s quota constitutes up to 40% of the state’s wolf population.

Montana and Idaho changed their wolf hunting rules in 2021 urged by hunters and ranchers who wanted fewer wolves on the landscape. The changes included allowing night hunting with spotlights on private land, higher harvest limits, the use of snares and the use of bait.

LETS NOT FORGET WHEN SHE WAS IN BC

Miley Cyrus Gets Cuddly With A Pitbull

Miley Cyrus is showing a massive heart as she reminds fans that she's a giant animal lover. The former Hannah Montana star featured on Instagram last week with a super cute shot of herself snuggling up to a Pitbull, also using her post to shout out her non-profit. The Slide Away hitmaker updated via her Happy Hippie Foundation's social media - fans know to check both the main feed and this one. Fans have left over 12,000 likes for a shot of Miley with a total of three dogs, plus a reminder not to stigmatize against certain breeds of canine.

Cute With Her Pooches

The photo showed the pop star lying down amid loud monochrome cushions in an ordinary setting. Miley was smiling while resting on a Pitbull seen next to her. The love was written all over the Midnight Sky singer's face as she gazed towards her pooch and sent out happy vibes. Miley wore a simple gray tank top, flaunting her arm tattoos as she added a little silver wrist jewelry.

The Gucci ambassador styled her blonde locks away from her face and in a bun. A video, meanwhile, was offered with a swipe.

It's Awareness Month

In a caption, Miley's foundation tagged her, writing:

"October is #PitBullAwarenessMonth! Our friends at Frankie, Lola & Friends Rescue brought one very special pit bull, Angel, into the life of our founder @mileycyrus." 

It continued:
"Pit bulls are often stigmatized as a violent breed, but with the right care and training, they can be sweet, kind and loving. Just like Angel, who's on her way to her official "good girl" certification, which will allow her to visit those in need of a smile!