Grizzly delisting lawsuits are coming
by Cat Urbigkit, Pinedale Online!
July 2, 2017
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), along with its affiliate the Fund for Animals, have already filed their notice of intent to sue the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) for its upcoming removal of federal protection for grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
In a blog post, HSUS President Wayne Pacelle wrote "the federal government is for all practical purposes handing over the bears to the whim of fish and game agencies hell-bent on allowing private citizens to slay these majestic animals for the thrill of the exercise." Pacelle stated, "With trophy hunting now looming, the bears will face a full-on assault, including spring hunts in 2018 targeting female bears with infant cubs."
But the interagency Conservation Strategy for grizzly bears that will guide bear management for years to come outlines the regulatory mechanisms in place to protect the bear population, including provisions that "prohibit hunting of females accompanied by young and young accompanied by females."
There are numerous lawsuits expected to be filed after the July 31 delisting – that’s the date grizzlies will return to state management. Earthjustice also announced its intention to sue, representing the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, Center for Biological Diversity, National Parks Conservation Association, and Sierra Club.
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