ST. PAUL (AP) - A high-profile group of Minnesota senators is backing a five-year moratorium on sport hunting and trapping of wolves in Minnesota.

The chief sponsor is Majority Whip Chris Eaton, D-Brooklyn Center. The cosponsors include Minority Leader David Hann, R-Eden Prairie, and Senate President Sandra Pappas, D-St. Paul.

Minnesota wolves were taken off the endangered list last year, and hunting and trapping resumed last fall.

Maureen Hackett, founder of Howling for Wolves, says they're trying to restore a five-year moratorium that used to be in state law for when wolves came off the list. Lawmakers canceled it when they authorized the hunt last year, citing years of delays caused by court battles over lifting the federal protections.

No hearing has been scheduled, and no companion bill has been introduced in the House.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

More From AM 1240 WJON