A bill that initially sought to give the state the authority to kill wolves within Utah's borders was watered down and gained initial approval from the Senate on Monday.

The measure now would ask the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to remove the wolf from the endangered-species list throughout Utah. It currently is delisted in only a portion of the state.

Removing the wolf from the list would give the state the authority to manage the packs.

Sen. Allen Christensen, R-North Ogden, said that Montana, Wyoming and Idaho have seen their wolf populations skyrocket, and Utah needs the ability to control the numbers to protect livestock and wildlife.

"Wolves are predators," Christensen said. "Despite what Disney portrays them as, being little fluff balls, they make their living by killing other animals and sometimes they do it just for the sport of the kill."

Christensen's earlier bill would have allowed any wolf in the state to be shot, but legislative attorneys warned that such a measure probably would be unconstitutional.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Jenkins, R-Plain City, said Christensen's bill enables the state to look ahead and manage the species.

"Wolves have literally decimated the herds," Jenkins said, "and if we want to maintain our status as a premier hunting state in this country, I think this is very wise to look forward."

The bill passed 20-8 along party lines with eight Democrats voting against it.