Congressman Paul A. Gosar has introduced H.R. 4255, known as the Enhancing Safety for Animals (ESA) Act, which aims to remove the Mexican wolf from the Endangered Species Act and separate its populations in the United States and Mexico.
Gosar expressed concerns about the impact of Mexican wolves on livestock, stating, “Since being reintroduced to the wild in Arizona, Mexican wolves have preyed on cattle, livestock, and even family pets, causing significant financial losses and economic hardship on family-run ranches.” He further criticized what he sees as ineffective management by the United States Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS), noting that most of the wolf’s original habitat is in Mexico.
The congressman highlighted lawsuits from environmental groups as a barrier to delisting efforts. He argued that “the Mexican wolf population has grown steadily since being reintroduced to the wild” and exceeds federal recovery goals.
Congressman Andy Biggs supported Gosar’s initiative, stating, “The Mexican wolf is destroying the livelihood of western ranchers by slaughtering their cattle.” He praised Gosar for leading efforts to allow ranchers to protect their herds without federal repercussions.
Kaitlynn Glover of the Public Lands Council commended Gosar for introducing legislation aimed at alleviating burdens faced by ranchers near southern borders due to overpopulated wolf packs. She emphasized challenges like livestock predation and community safety threats.
Ethan Lane from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association also voiced support for Gosar’s bill. He criticized what he described as ESA abuse related to Mexican wolves and expressed gratitude for efforts addressing cattle producers’ concerns.
John Boelts of the Arizona Farm Bureau echoed these sentiments: “We applaud Representative Gosar for his leadership on efforts to delist the Mexican wolf,” citing negative impacts experienced by local communities due to complex regulations associated with wolf reintroduction.
The bill has several original cosponsors including Representatives Biggs (AZ), Boebert, Crane, Hageman, Hamadeh, Hurd, LaMalfa, Stauber, Tiffany, Zinke. It also receives backing from various organizations such as American Farm Bureau Federation and Arizona Cattle Growers’ Association among others.
