Nation IN BRIEF : WYOMING : Wolf Repopulation Set for 2nd Year

A controversial program to bring the gray wolf back to the United States will continue for a second year, with 30 wolves expected to be transported from British Columbia later this month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said. “The target is to bring 30 animals in,” said spokesman Mike Smith. Fifteen will go to Yellowstone National Park and the remainder to the Frank Church River of No Return National Wildlife Refuge. Wolves had been absent from the region for more than 60 years, but last year a group was transported to the wilds of Idaho and Yellowstone. They are doing well and pups have been born, leading biologists to believe the program is successful, Smith said. “Nothing has been officially announced but I think there will be an announcement within a few day or so,” said Theresa Killoran of the British Columbia Environment Ministry, who declined further comment.