RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Some conservation groups are trying to block new rules from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission that allow expanding hunting of coyotes at night, saying they are worried that red wolves will be mistakenly killed.
The Charlotte Observer reported the Red Wolf Coalition and others have sued in Wake Superior Court to try to stop night hunting of coyotes with artificial lights.
The groups worry that red wolves in eastern North Carolina counties will be shot. The groups say young red wolves resemble coyotes, and are hard to tell apart even during the day.
The lawsuit says the commission improperly approved the temporary rule allowing night hunting that took effect Aug. 1. The rule will be in effect about nine months while the commission considers a permanent rule.