Ian Brickey, ian.brickey@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) decided to keep grizzly bears protected under the Endangered Species Act, allowing the iconic species’ population recovery to continue.
In issuing the blanket denial, USFWS rejected a petition from several Western states calling for the removal of grizzlies from the endangered species list, instead establishing a distinct population segment (DPS) that encompasses all six grizzly recovery zones. USFWS also has proposed changes to the ESA regulations protecting grizzlies that would increase management authority for states and private landowners.
Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming have requested USFWS remove grizzly bears from the federal endangered species list and send management of the species to the state level. Actions by those state governments suggested plans to manage grizzlies for bare minimum population numbers and with reduced tolerance for grizzly bear presence in some areas.
Grizzlies occupy less than 2 percent of their historic range in the lower 48 states. Biologists estimate just over 2,000 grizzly bears live in the lower 48 states, a fraction of the more than 50,000 bears that roamed the continent at the time of European contact.
In response, Sierra Club Wildlife Campaign Manager Ben Greuel, released the following statement:
“Grizzly bears are one of this country’s most iconic species, but their numbers and range are just a fraction of their historic figures. Thanks to the Endangered Species Act, grizzlies have come back from the brink of extinction and made remarkable progress towards recovery. But that recovery isn’t complete, and all that progress could be lost if those ESA protections were stripped. We are at a critical moment for securing a long-term, sustainable recovery for grizzly bears, and federal protection is a key part of achieving that.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.