CASPER, Wyo. (AP) -- Wyoming lawmakers are considering whether to hire a lawyer and join Montana and Idaho in trying to negotiate the removal of wolves from the federal endangered species act.

The Casper Star-Tribune reports that the Legislative Management Council will meet Friday and consider a request to spend $30,000 on a lawyer to negotiate with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Idaho and Montana would be expected to contribute as well.

However, the council could also decide to end its involvement with the two other states in efforts to delist wolves.

The federal government lifted protections for wolves in Idaho, Montana and parts of Oregon, Utah and Washington in 2009 but that was later reversed by a federal judge.

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Information from: Casper Star-Tribune - Casper, http://www.trib.com

Copyright 2010 The AP.