Wyoming wolf talks continue

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead says his administration continues to negotiate with the federal government over how to end federal protections for wolves in the state.

Mead said Wednesday negotiations have intensified over the past few weeks.

Wyoming was left behind when the Obama administration this month lifted Endangered Species Act protections for thousands of gray wolves in other states in the Northern Rockies and elsewhere.

Federal officials and environmentalists long have objected to Wyoming's plan to allow some wolves to be shot on sight.

Mead says he hopes to reach an agreement this summer to set new boundaries where wolves would be managed as protected game animals in northwestern Wyoming. He says the state could commit to keeping at least 100 wolves alive outside of Yellowstone National Park.