"The Obama administration rejected a proposed endangered species listing today for Alaska's spotted seals, saying the animals would adapt to climate change.

Environmentalists, who had petitioned for the listing by citing threats to the seal from Arctic oil and gas development and melting sea ice, expressed outrage over the decision.

"The Arctic is experiencing a rapid meltdown, and yet the Obama administration refuses to acknowledge that sea ice loss is jeopardizing the spotted seal in U.S. waters," said Shaye Wolf, a biologist with the Center for Biological Diversity."

Patrick Reis reports for Greenwire October 16, 2009.
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