Kudos to Randy Kenyon for spotting this one . . .
A petition has been submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by 15 environmental groups, urging a revision of the 1993 Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan based on a new report by former grizzly recovery manager Chris Servheen. The report argues against delisting grizzlies from the Endangered Species Act and suggests managing them as a single metapopulation in the Northern Rockies. Servheen highlights significant population growth since the species was listed in 1975, but notes ongoing threats, including human-caused deaths and habitat loss. The petition emphasizes the need for stronger regulations and education to promote coexistence between humans and grizzlies. It critiques current state policies that may harm grizzly populations and calls for a collaborative recovery framework involving Tribal, State, and Federal agencies. The report stresses that successful recovery requires connectivity between isolated populations to enhance genetic diversity and resilience against climate change. The petition aims to influence decisions on grizzly protections expected by the end of January.
