As Congress considers legislation to remove gray wolves from the federal endangered species list, the American Farm Bureau Federation is encouraging members to contact their U.S. senators in support of the Pet and Livestock Protection Act (H.R. 845).
The bipartisan legislation passed the U.S. House in December 2025 and would delist the gray wolf in the lower 48 states, prevent ongoing litigation from overturning the decision and return management authority to state wildlife agencies.
Supporters of the bill say current federal protections have limited states’ ability to manage growing wolf populations, despite populations exceeding federal recovery goals. They argue the issue has led to increased livestock losses, economic strain for farmers, and public safety concerns in rural communities.
AFBF’s member-adopted policy supports removing wolves from the federal endangered species list and placing management authority under the supervision of the states where the animals exist.
“Our members believe wildlife management decisions are best handled at the state level by the people closest to the issue,” said Pierce Bennett, Michigan Farm Bureau livestock industry relations specialist. “Michigan farmers care deeply about responsible stewardship, but they also need practical tools and flexibility to protect their livestock, families and livelihoods.”
AFBF is encouraging members to contact their senators, asking them to urge leadership to schedule H.R. 845 for a vote.
Members of the Michigan congressional delegation who voted in favor of the bill last year include Reps. Tom Barrett, Jack Bergman, Bill Huizenga, John James, Lisa McClain, John Moolenaar, and Tim Walberg.
Michigan members who voted against the bill include Reps. Debbie Dingell, Kristen McDonald Rivet, Hillary Scholten, Haley Stevens, Shri Thanedar, and Rashida Tlaib.
Gray wolves were first listed under the Endangered Species Act in 1974. A 2020 federal rule removed protections for wolves, but the decision was later reversed by a federal court ruling in 2022. Today, wolf populations carry different legal designations depending on the region of the country, creating uncertainty for states and livestock producers.
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, wolf populations in Michigan have exceeded state and federal recovery goals for more than 20 years. The department is currently working with Michigan State University on a statewide research effort using more than 1,300 trail cameras to improve wolf population estimates and support future management decisions.
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