JACKSON - A federal wolf official said he understands the need to have one person speaking with one voice when it comes to setting wolf policy.

Ed Bangs, wolf recovery coordinator for the lower 48 states for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said too many people talking about policy issues can be confusing when trying to work with other government officials regarding wolf management.

Bangs made his comments this week when asked about comments made last week by Rep. Pat Childers, R-Cody. During a meeting of state and federal officials, Childers said "some duct tape on Mr. Bangs' mouth" would be helpful as Wyoming negotiates with the federal government on wolf management.

In an interview, Childers said Bangs has made "off-the-cuff remarks" that have hindered discussions in the state Legislature. He did not specify what those comments were, but said as a biologist Bangs told members of the Wyoming Stock Growers and Wyoming Wool Growers associations that there were not going to be many conflicts with wolves.

"I'm not saying Ed's a bad man," Childers said. "I'm saying what he said, it didn't turn out that way."

Mitch King, regional director of the Fish and Wildlife Service, said sometimes Bangs says things that "get people upset," but that he is an "exceptional biologist, and he's on top of what's going on in the wolf world."

"Silencing Ed is not what I'm about," King said.

"Sometimes you can say the right thing and say it the wrong way," King said. "What I routinely do with any of my employees is make sure they understand how what they say will be read. Sometimes I can get a little crazy, too."

Bangs said he will continue to try to accurately portray the Fish and Wildlife Service's message in a way that "doesn't offend people." He said he's always willing to listen to criticism and will try to learn from this experience.

The federal government is floating a proposal to expand the area where wolves would be considered trophy game in Wyoming once they're removed from federal protection, while allowing them to be shot on sight elsewhere. Nothing formal has been drafted, and state officials are analyzing the idea as the legislative session approaches. Any changes in the Wyoming wolf management plan must by made by the Legislature.

NewsTracker

* Last we knew: A state representative suggested that silencing Ed Bangs, a federal wolf biologist, would be helpful to reach a negotiation over wolf management in Wyoming.

* The latest: Bangs said he understands it can be confusing if it appears more than one person is talking about wolf policy, but he hasn't been muzzled.

* What's next: State and federal officials plan to continue working toward a compromise on wolf management.

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Environmental reporter Whitney Royster can be reached at (307) 734-0260 or at royster@tribcsp.com.