Sec. 1. 12 MRSA §7001, sub-§45 is enacted to read:

45.__Wolf.__"Wolf" means the Gray Wolf (Canis lupus).

Sec. 2. 12 MRSA §7760 is enacted to read:

§7760.__Introduction of wolves to State; approval required

A person may not release a wolf in the State for the purpose of reintroducing that species into the State without the prior approval of both Houses of the Legislature and the commissioner.

Sec. 3. State role in federal wolf recovery planning. The Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife shall work with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure that any recovery plan for the gray wolf in any geographic area that includes the State includes a provision that allows the State to prohibit the introduction of the gray wolf within the borders of the State.

SUMMARY

This bill prohibits the release of wolves in the State without the prior approval of both Houses of the Legislature and the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The bill also directs the commissioner to work with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure that any recovery plan for the gray wolf in an area that includes the State includes a provision that allows the State to prohibit the introduction of the gray wolf within the borders of the State.