Wyoming Wolf Control at Stake

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The future of Wyoming wolf management rides on a federal court hearing set for Friday in Washington, D.C.

A federal judge two years ago sided with national environmental groups and rejected Wyoming's wolf management plan. That 2014 ruling resurrected federal protections for wolves in the state.

Wyoming had managed wolves for two years before the court ruling. The state had designated wolves as unprotected predators that could be shot on sight in most areas while classifying wolves around the borders of Yellowstone National Park as trophy game.

A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., is set to hear arguments on Friday from the state and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeking to override the 2014 decision. Environmental groups are urging the appeals court to retain the federal protections.