Idaho Senate Passes Wolf Depredation Funding

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The Idaho Senate has approved spending $400,000 to kill wolves. The plan passed Thursday would give the Idaho Wolf Depredation Board the same funding it had during its first year of operation last year.

Democratic Sen. Roy Lacey from Pocatello says he would have spent less money, since the board only spent about two-thirds of its budget last year. But Republican Sen. Bert Brackett from Rogerson says that it's wiser to wait a few years before making changes.

The plan passed 29-5, garnering opposition from five of the six Democrats present. Republican Sen. Steve Bair from Blackfoot says that Idaho is currently home to more than 600 wolves — well above the 100 wolf federal minimum. The bill now goes to the House for consideration.