Conservation Group Wants Wolf No-Shooting Zones Around National Parks

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A conservation group is calling on state and federal officials to create no-shooting zones around Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks to reduce the killing of wolves. WildEarth Guardians and other conservation groups have filed lawsuits challenging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's transfer of wolf management to Wyoming.

Trophy hunters have killed 39 wolves in a zone around Yellowstone since the state took over management in October. The state says another 20 wolves have been killed elsewhere where wolves are unprotected. Wendy Keefover of WildEarth Guardians says too many wolves are dying. Wildlife managers say about 300 wolves were outside of Yellowstone, where no hunting is allowed, when the state took over. Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead says he's confident in state management and has no plans to change policies.