Despite successful efforts to bring them back from near extinction in the 20th century, wolverines may still be in danger from climate change. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) asserts that “climate warming over the next century is likely to significantly reduce wolverine habitat, to the point where persistence of wolverines in the [U.S.], without intervention is in doubt.” As such, the agency seeks comment on a proposed rule that would provide threatened status under the Endangered Species Act for the North American Wolverine.
The public, other concerned
governmental agencies, Native American tribes, the scientific community,
industry, or any other interested parties are invited to comment particularly
on the following:
- Biological, commercial trade, or other relevant data concerning any threats (or lack thereof) to this species.
- Additional information concerning the historical and current status, range, distribution, and population size of this species.
- Ongoing conservation measures for the species and its habitat.
- Current or planned activities in the areas occupied by the species and possible impacts of these activities on this species.
- The reasons why FWS should or should not designate habitat as “critical habitat.”
- Information on the projected and reasonably likely impacts of climate change on the wolverine and its habitat.
- Additional information concerning whether it is appropriate to prohibit incidental take of wolverine in the course of legal trapping activities directed at other species.
The comment deadline is May 6, 2013 and may
be submitted by one of the following methods:
- Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. (Docket No. FWS-R6-ES-2012-0107).
- Submit by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R6-ES-2012-0107; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS 2042-PDM; Arlington, VA 22203.
- Attend a public hearing
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