Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) can use lethal methods to take up to 20 wolves under a permit granted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Tuesday, April 19.

In January, a federal district court in Oregon withdrew a 2003 federal decision that had reclassified gray wolves from endangered to threatened status throughout much of the United States. Due to the change, DNR lost the authority to use lethal control to deal with wolf-related livestock depredation. DNR officials then requested federal permission to reinstate lethal control measures when necessary.

During the 22 months lethal control was previously allowed, 10 Michigan wolves were euthanized in response to confirmed depredation events. During that period, the Michigan wolf population grew by 25 percent. Approximately 400 wolves were counted in Michigan during a survey this winter, DNR reported.

A series of public meetings will be hosted by DNR to discuss wolf management in the state. Public input received at the meetings will help guide revision of the state’s wolf management plan.

A meeting is planned at Sault Ste. Marie Friday, May 13, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Crow’s Nest in the Cisler Conference Center at Lake Superior State University.