The State Game Commission has decided to delay a decision on an appeal that would allow endangered Mexican gray wolves to be kept at Ted Turner's ranch in southern New Mexico.
A bid by the Ladder Ranch to renew its permit for holding wolves in captivity was denied earlier this year, partly over concerns that federal officials have yet to update the recovery plan for the species.
The Turner Endangered Species Fund appealed. Executive director Mike Phillips told commissioners during a meeting Thursday in Roswell that the decision singled out the ranch for unequal treatment.
The Roswell Daily Record reports it could be months before the commission rules on the appeal.
New Mexico wildlife officials also have denied permits to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for wolf releases.
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