I’m sure that like most Americans you’ve already heard about our government’s near shut down last week. What you probably didn’t know was what we are cutting out and how will it affect all of us. The 39.5 billion budget cut integrated some interesting riders, including the elimination of the Grey Wolf as an endangered species. Wait… whaa??

If the recent budget bill pending before Congress passes, the western states of Montana and Idaho would see the Grey Wolf taken off the endangered species list. The rider was heavily supported by Montana Democratic Senator, Jon Tester, and Idaho Republican, Mike Simpson.

Senator Tester said of the rider, "It's high time for a predictable, practical law that finally delists Montana's wolves and returns their management to our state -- for the sake of our wildlife, our livestock, and for the jobs that rely on them."

"This wolf fix isn't about one party's agenda," Tester continued. "It's about what's right for Montana and the West -- which is why I've been working so hard to get this solution passed, and why it has support from all sides."

Environmental groups like PETA have been fighting previous efforts to remove these wolves from the endangered species list. Once the details of the budget rider were publicly released, 10 of these groups reportedly signed an agreement with the Obama administration to safeguard against overhunting once the bill passed. (It’s expected that it will).

A final vote on the budget bill is expected this week. If it passes – do you think other states will try and follow suit?