Worried that the increase in gray wolves is becoming a threat to livestock in the state, Sen. Al Franken wants federal officials to continue to fund trapping and control of the wolves until they are taken off the Endangered Species List.

When delisting happens, and it's well into the planning stage, state officials will be responsible for controlling the wolves. But Franken's worried there may be a gap when controls would lapse.

Franken sent a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack noting that federal funding to manage the wolves ran out at the end of September, but officials agreed to continue it through the end of the year. He said there are 3,000 of the animals now in the state, and they pose a threat to citizens and livestock if they aren't actively trapped.

If the gray wolf isn't delisted by then so state officials can take over the effort, there will be trouble, he said in the letter:

“Until the gray wolf is delisted, the (USDA) trapping program remains a crucial tool for wolf population management ... and helps maintain the livelihoods of hundreds of our farmers and livestock producers.”