Arizona wildlife managers say a proposal that would change the way the federal government handles Mexican gray wolves in the American Southwest would result in "a disaster" for the states involved.
The Arizona Game and Fish Commission's concerns are outlined in a letter sent to ranching groups in the region.
The groups have voiced concerns about the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service meeting with state officials in Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah to discuss amending the wolf rule. They say the agency isn't being transparent.
The Fish and Wildlife Service says it has a responsibility to confer with state agencies and other stakeholders.
Arizona managers say they'll continue negotiating changes to the proposal to protect state interests. They say the current proposal fails to cap the number of wolves allowed in the Southwest.
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