Idaho Lawmakers Pass Wolf Population Control Bill

The Idaho Legislature has passed a bill to create a state board that will work to control the growth of wolf populations in the state.

House Bill 470 was passed Thursday on the final day of the session.

It creates a $400,000 fund and establishes a five-member board whose job is to authorize the killing of wolves that come into conflict with wildlife or livestock. The money comes from the state's general fund, and will be augmented by fees on sportsmen and the livestock industry.

Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter is expected to sign the bill into law. Otter had sought $2 million in the wolf fund.

Conservation groups opposed the bill, saying it will lead to the killing of hundreds of wolves.

Congress in 2011 stripped Endangered Species Act protection from wolves in Idaho and Montana.