HELENA, Mont. (AP) Wolverines tentatively will remain among the wildlife species that can be trapped legally in Montana.

State wildlife commissioners today heard appeals to end the trapping of wolverines, but they remain among the species covered by tentative trapping regulations the commissioners advanced. The quota would be nine wolverines, down from 10 allowed in the last set of regulations.

The federal government recently found wolverines do not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act.

State wildlife managers say that conservatively, Montana's population has been estimated at 200.

Opponents of trapping wolverines say that's not many. Supporters say the critics are trying to chip away at a practice they don't like, and if they get wolverines off the list, they will then challenge trapping of other species.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 06-12-08 2146CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list