Success: Endangered Species Protections Reinstated for Yellowstone Grizzly Bears

Target: Trip Van Noppen, President of Earthjustice

Goal: Support the return of Endangered Species protections for the iconic Yellowstone grizzly.

Grizzly bear populations may finally be able to recover as their protections under the Endangered Species Act are reinstated, thanks to a hard-won fight by activists and concerned citizens, and petitions like this one at ForceChange. Grizzlies in the Yellowstone region were stripped of their protections by the Trump administration, and for the first time in 40 years, trophy hunts of these iconic creatures were scheduled to begin this fall in Idaho and Wyoming. These needless and cruel hunts would have further threatened the grizzly population in the Yellowstone area, which was already suffering deeply due to hunting and dwindling sources of food.

The hunt is now blocked, and with protections back in place, the Yellowstone grizzly bear population has a chance to recover fully. Andrea Santarsiere of the Center for Biological Diversity says, “People around the world will applaud the decision to again protect Yellowstone’s beloved grizzly bears under the Endangered Species Act. Facing ongoing threats and occupying a fraction of their historic range, grizzly bears are nowhere near recovery. These beautiful and beleaguered animals certainly shouldn’t be shot for cheap thrills or a bearskin rug.” Sign below to support this important step in the protection and preservation of the iconic Yellowstone grizzly bear.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear President Van Noppen,

Thank you so much for your hard work in defending the grizzly bears of the Yellowstone region. Your efforts on behalf of the Northern Cheyenne tribe, Sierra Club, Center for Biological Diversity and National Park Conservation Association made it possible to reinstate protections for this iconic species—a major victory for animal conservation as well as compassion and the humane treatment of the creatures we share our planet with.

As Bart Melton, Northern Rockies regional director for the National Parks Conservation Association, stated, “Grizzly bears that call Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks home will no longer be threatened by an aggressive hunt that was planned this fall on lands bordering the national parks, thanks to the court’s ruling. The Department of the Interior can now go back to the drawing board to hopefully consider research, such as the long-term impacts of climate change on the population, which must be considered to ensure a healthy long-term future for Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzlies.” Thank you for standing for animal welfare and conservation, and making this important victory possible.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: NPCA Photos