The Alaska Board of Game has rejected an emergency request for a buffer zone protecting wolves that leave Denali National Park and Preserve.
Board Executive Director Kristy Tibbles says six members determined the request did not meet criteria for an emergency order.
The petition sought a ban on trapping and hunting east of the park.
The wildlife groups requested the emergency order after the Grant Creek wolf pack, viewed most frequently by Denali Park visitors, in April lost a breeding female to a trapper outside the park. The groups say the pack may have disbanded.
Alaska Wildlife Alliance President Tina Brown says park visitors are being denied the chance to see wolves.
She says the chances will continue to decrease unless the Game Board protects wolves outside park boundaries.
