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Lewiston, Idaho • U.S. Sens. Jim Risch and Mike Crapo say they plan to introduce a bill that aims to exempt wolves in Idaho from federal protections that were restored by a court order in August.

Crapo spokesman Lindsay Nothern said the Idaho lawmakers, both Republicans, are still working on the legislation and are in communication with Montana's congressional delegation.

A U.S. District Court decision last month restored federal protections to wolves in Idaho and Montana, despite objections from both states.

Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter has said he'll negotiate until at least Oct. 7 with the federal government on a plan to manage the approximately 850 wolves in his state.

Risch spokesman Brad Hoaglun says the senators hope to find a solution that will work for several different parties and a bill could be introduced as early as next week.