WASHINGTON – A lawsuit filed by environmental groups to stop Wyoming Game and Fish from managing gray wolves is frivolous and not based on sound science, U.S. Senator John Barrasso, R-Wyo., said today.

“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife has far exceeded their targets in recovering the gray wolf. The law is designed to recover species, and that is exactly what it has done.

“Wyoming is in the best position to determine how the wolf should be managed, not an environmental group from San Francisco.

“Most of these folks wouldn’t know a gray wolf if it bit them.  This is an issue that directly affects Wyoming ranchers and sportsmen.

“Wyoming should be in control of the wolf, not Washington .  Until a delisting decision occurs, we should be given more, not less, flexibility in the management of the wolves.

“State and federal officials have said that the environmental groups' claims are exaggerated and not based on sound science. I completely agree.”