Wolverine Lawsuit

Groups Sue to Obtain Protection for Wolverines

By AP News, 9-30-08

HELENA – A federal agency's refusal to protect wolverines under the Endangered Species Act is being challenged in court.

Groups that filed the lawsuit Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Missoula say politics overrode science in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's refusal to protect wolverines, a member of the weasel family. Defenders of Wildlife is among the groups suing.

The Fish and Wildlife Service has estimated the U.S. wolverine population, outside of Alaska, at about 500 animals. Wolverines inhabit Montana, Idaho, Washington and Wyoming.

The suit names agency director Dale Hall and Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne. [End of article]

Comment By outdoor man, 9-30-08

I believe that this government estimate of the wolverine population is grossly under exagerated. I have personally seen 2 wolverines and 1 rock badger just around the flathead and north fork area.

Comment By Dave Skinner, 9-30-08

The numbers don’t matter. The point is that the “best available science” is rather sparse, as wolverines have always been as well. Add a large, and BEAUTIFUL home range, slow reproduction rates, a certain amount of charisma, and SHAZAM.
Listing! Shut it down, lock it up and burn it down.

Comment By Carl, 9-30-08

Who can we sue for protection of the taxpayer? We need protection too.

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