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MISSOULA- Wolves will stay off the Endangered Species List, at least for now, after U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy upholds the constitutionality of Congressional action taking the wolves off the protected list.

Some environmental groups wanted Molloy to overturn the May decision, saying lawmakers had violated the Separation of Powers Doctrine.

But in an 18-page ruling issued this afternoon, Molloy rejected the plaintiff's claims for summary judgment and backed the government's position. That leaves the question of long-term ESA protection for Idaho and Montana wolves in the hands of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.