Learn about the petition and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Endangered Species Act process, review information from official sources, and follow the Service’s announcements for any future opportunities to submit information or public comments.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service — Endangered Species Act Petition Process
Gray Wolf Delisting Petition & Federal Review
A 2026 petition asks the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to remove certain gray wolf protections under the Endangered Species Act.
A petition submitted to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service on August 21, 2026, requests that gray wolves in several states be removed from federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. The petition itself does not change the wolves’ legal status. Under the ESA process, the Service first evaluates whether a petition contains substantial information indicating that a change in status may be warranted. Any eventual change would require a separate federal rulemaking process, including scientific review and public participation. As of September 2026, gray wolves in the contiguous 48 states and Mexico remain protected under the ESA outside the Northern Rocky Mountain population.
Why It Matters
A petition does not itself change the legal protections for gray wolves. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service must evaluate the petition and determine whether it presents substantial information that a change in status may be warranted. If the process moves forward, a future status review and rulemaking would provide opportunities for scientific review and public comment before any change is finalized. As of September 2026, most gray wolves in the contiguous 48 states and Mexico remain protected under the Endangered Species Act.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
SOURCE
STATUS
Active
DEADLINE
LAST UPDATED
September 16, 2026
CATEGORY
Conservation Action