Later this week, Congress will vote on a six-month spending bill that contains a rider to remove Endangered Species Act protections for gray wolves in Idaho, Montana, Utah, and potentially Oregon and Washington.

This budget rider would open the door for state wildlife agencies in Idaho and Montana to kill wolves on behalf of special interests. If we let Congress roll back ESA protections for gray wolves in these states, the lobos of New Mexico and Arizona will not be far behind.

It has been a long, hard fight, but please: call your Senators again. Thank them for fighting budget cuts designed to undermine environmental protections. Ask specifically that they commit to opposing anti-wolf legislation in any way they can, including voting against legislation containing riders or amendments that would delist the gray wolf.

BINGAMAN: Tollfree in NM: 800-443-8658

UDALL: (202) 224-6621

Click here for legislative lookup if outside NM

You can also contact President Obama and remind him of his own position that policy decisions should not be made through budget bills. Ask him to veto any budget bill containing any policy riders, including those that endanger wolves and the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

White House Comments Hotline: 202-456-1111

Thank you for your work to stop this precedent that would eliminate protections for gray wolves, weaken the ESA, and leave these magnificent animals without a safety net against the threat of widespread killing. At this crucial time for wolves and other wildlife, your actions are critical.