Donald Trump signed an executive order removing endangered species protection for the grey wolf and Mexican wolf subspecies. The move could allow pastoral farmers to kill the canines to protect livestock, with ranchers described as playing a 'vital role' in the food supply chain. Conservation groups criticized the decision, warning it could derail recovery efforts for endangered wolf populations.

There are roughly 18,000 grey wolves across the US, while 319 Mexican wolves remained in the wild in 2025, up from just four in 1998. The order grants Interior Secretary Doug Burgum 90 days to determine if populations have recovered enough for de-listing. Environmental groups noted wolf attacks on livestock are rare with minimal income impact, and ranchers currently receive up to 100% compensation for losses.

Claire Musser of Grand Canyon Wolf Recovery Project warned weakening protections would risk decades of conservation work.