HF1331

The bill proposes amendments to Minnesota Statutes 2024, Section 97B.646, concerning wolf management. It requires the commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of agriculture, to develop a wolf management plan that balances the long-term survival of wolves while addressing conflicts with humans, livestock, and pets, and managing their ecological impact on prey species and other predators.

The bill introduces three key provisions: 1. Wolf Management Plan – Ensures the survival of wolves while mitigating conflicts with humans and their impact on other wildlife. 2. Wolf Mortality Reporting – Requires the commissioner to maintain a quarterly updated list of known wolf deaths, specifying date and location, which must be made publicly available on the department's website. 3. Annual Wolf Population Survey – Mandates an annual statewide survey to estimate the wolf population across Minnesota, rather than limiting the assessment to historical wolf ranges or specific regions.

The bill has been referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy for further consideration.