Conservationists try to stop wolf hunting

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Animal activist groups have gone to federal court in an attempt to head off the hunting of gray wolves in Montana and Idaho.

The Alliance for the Wild Rockies, Friends of the Clearwater and WildEarth Guardians filed their injunction request Friday in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, KPAX-TV in MIssoula, Mont., reported.

The groups' tactic comes after U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy recently ruled against their argument that a congressional rider that lifted endangered species protection for the wolves was unconstitutional. The groups also filed an appeal in that case last week.

"Beginning in less than three weeks, hundreds of gray wolves that should be protected as endangered species are about to be hunted and killed. Our only option is to seek an injunction to stop the illegal killing of wolves," said Mike Garrity, executive director of the Alliance for the Wild Rockies.

Idaho's hunt is to begin Aug. 30. In Montana, an archery season begins Sept. 3 and the rifle season commences Sept. 15.