NRDems Forum: Vital Ground - Grizzlies, Wolves and the ESA

Grizzly bears and gray wolves once lived in much of western North America, but were hunted ruthlessly and extirpated over most of their range. Today, both species are making a successful comeback in some of their former habitat due to strong conservation efforts. This incredible success is a direct result of the Endangered Species Act (ESA)—our nation’s most forward-thinking and effective wildlife conservation law. 

In recent years the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) – under strong pressure from wildlife opponents – has attempted to remove ESA protections from grizzly bears and gray wolves. The future of grizzly and wolf population relies on protecting the vital ground we’ve gained on species recovery in the face of political pressure from wildlife opponents.  The briefing will provide an overview of the legal responsibility and scientific necessity for strong and effective ESA protections.