Wolverines Receive Threatened Status
On April 4, 2016, Cottonwood, in collaboration with conservation organizations, successfully challenged the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's denial of Endangered Species Act protection for wolverines. The federal district court in Montana ruled against the Service, criticizing its disregard for scientific evidence and violation of the Endangered Species Act. Wolverines face a dire threat from climate change, which could eliminate a significant portion of their snow-dependent habitat within 75 years. With only 250-300 wolverines remaining in the lower 48 states, they are already among the most endangered species in the U.S. The court mandated that the Service reevaluate its decision, emphasizing the importance of incorporating the best available science into their determination, particularly regarding the impact of climate change on wolverines. This case set positive precedent for the future of wolverines.
On November 29th, 2023, the US Fish and Wildlife Service announced that the North American wolverine will receive federal protection as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Though habitat loss and climate change will continue to affect wolverines, this is an huge step forward to ensuring the conservation of wildlife.
Thank you to the following groups that partnered with Cottonwood to help protect the North American wolverine: Western Environmental Law Center, WildEarth Guardians, Friends of the Bitterroot, Friends of the Wild Swan, Swan View Coalition, Oregon Wild, Cascadia Wildlands, Alliance for the Wild Rockies, Kootenai Environmental Alliance, Footloose Montana, Native Ecosystems Council, Wildlands Network, and Helena Hunters and Anglers Association. Cottonwood continues to fight for our environment.
Comments on the interim 4(d) rule must be received or postmarked to the Fish and Wildlife Service by January 29, 2024. This rule includes the prohibitions and exceptions to prohibitions concerning wolverine conservation in the contiguous US.
Ruling and Public Comment: