( CNN ) -- The gray wolf population in Wyoming has grown enough to be removed from the endangered species list and will stop receiving federal protection next month , the U.S . Fish and Wildlife Service announced Friday . The decision means that gray wolf has recovered from near extinction throughout the Northern Rocky Mountains , which includes all of Idaho and Montana and parts of Washington , Oregon and Utah , officials said . The wolves in Wyoming wo n't be protected under the Endangered Species Act effective September 30 , when the packs will be managed by the state , federal officials said . `` The return of the wolf to the Northern Rocky Mountains is a major success story , and reflects the remarkable work of states , tribes , and our many partners to bring this iconic species back from the brink of extinction , '' Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe said in a statement . The Northern Rockies are home to at least 1,774 adult wolves and more than 109 breeding pairs , and the population has exceeded recovery goals for 10 consecutive years , officials said . The vast majority of Wyoming 's gray wolves live in the northwest section of the state , where the animals will be managed by state wardens as `` trophy game '' year-round , federal officials said . Wyoming officials will regulate the timing , methods and numbers of gray wolves taken through regulated hunting . Wolves found to be preying on livestock also may be controlled , federal officials said . Environmental and wildlife groups took exception to the federal decision , saying the gray wolf has n't fully recovered . `` Today 's decision by the Fish and Wildlife Service allows Wyoming to return to the days of random wolf killing that led to the species ' endangerment in the first place , '' said Sylvia Fallon , wildlife conservation director at the Natural Resources Defense Council . The environmental group Earthjustice said Congress last year gave hunters and trappers in Montana and Idaho the right to kill wolves that had been once protected , nullifying a court victory by the group that would have prevented the hunts . `` Wyoming 's open season on wolves in almost all of the state would allow aerial gunning of wolves and even killing wolf pups in their den , '' Earthjustice attorney Jenny Harbine said . `` Wyoming law also allows unrestricted killing of wolves if they are found to be 'harassing ' livestock or domestic animals , even if wolves are intentionally baited into the conflict , '' said Harbine . `` These policies could drive wolves back into local extinction . '' Last December , Wyoming counted 328 wolves , including 48 packs and 27 breeding pairs , the Wyoming Game & Fish Department said . That figure included 224 wolves , 36 packs and 19 breeding pairs outside Yellowstone National Park , state officials said . In areas of Wyoming where wolves are designated as predatory , `` no state license is required to take a wolf , and there are no closed seasons or bag limits , '' the state agency said . Hunters are required to report the kill to game wardens within 10 days and are n't required to present the skull or pelt , though state officials are encouraging them to do so for genetic monitoring . Wyoming wildlife chief Brian Nesvik said , `` We are taking a conservative approach to wolf hunting seasons during this time of transition from federal to state management . We need time to assume the important responsibilities of wolf population monitoring , sport harvest management and meeting Wyoming 's commitments to wolf conservation in our state . '' Wyoming officials must ensure population levels of at least 150 wolves and 15 breeding pairs , and the federal wildlife service will monitor the species in Wyoming , Montana and Idaho for at least five years to ensure the animal 's recovery , officials said . The federal agency can put the gray wolf back on the endangered list if necessary , U.S. officials said . `` Our primary goal , and that of the states , is to ensure that gray wolf populations in the Northern Rocky Mountains remain healthy , giving future generations of Americans the chance to hear its howl echo across the area , '' Ashe said . `` No one , least of all Idaho , Montana and Wyoming , wants to see wolves back on the endangered species list . But that 's what will happen if recovery targets are not sustained . '' The gray wolf grows to 2.5 feet in height and up to 6 feet in length , weighing between 80 and 100 pounds . Its coat varies from black to white , and the animal is noted for its broad snout , round ears , and long , low howl .
Environmentalists decry decision as a ` ` back to the days of random wolf killing '' Gray wolf makes a comeback in Wyoming and will be taken off endangered list . Milestone means the wolf has spread throughout the Northern Plains . Americans are now ` ` ' hear its howl echo across the plains ''