"In a win for conservation interests and tribal nations, a panel of federal judges Wednesday upheld a decision to restore grizzly bear protections in the Yellowstone region.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals Wednesday affirmed a 2018 Montana District Court decision that struck down federal efforts to remove Yellowstone grizzlies’ “threatened” status under the Endangered Species Act. The delisting in 2017 turned over management of the species to the states surrounding Yellowstone National Park, allowing the states to plan bear hunts.
“The court rightfully rejected the misguided proposal to subject Yellowstone grizzlies to trophy hunting for the first time in 40 years,” said Tim Preso, attorney for Earthjustice, in a news release. “The grizzly is an icon of our remaining wildness at a time when our wilderness is shrinking and our wildlife is under assault.”"
Helena Dore reports for the Bozeman Daily Chronicle July 8, 2020.
