DNR Removes Gray Wolves, Bald Eagles From Endangered Species List

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) - The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has removed the bald eagles, gray wolves and snapping turtles from their list of endangered, threatened and special-concern species on Monday.

Twenty-nine species were removed from the list, 180 plant and animal species were added and the statuses of 91 species were either upgraded or downgraded.

Rick Baker, the DNR's endangered species coordinator, says the list's purpose is to help certain species - not confine and isolate them.

"The ultimate goal of putting a plant or animal on the list isn't to put up walls around it; it's to restore its health and get it back off the list," Baker said.

The changes to the list, which was first created in 1984 and last updated in 1996, were made based on information gathered by the DNR and other researchers. Click here to view the list.