Wolverines are feisty, wide-ranging members of the weasel family (think otters or mink) that live largely in high-altitude 'islands' of mountain ranges in the West. Biologists estimate there are only about 300 wolverines left in the lower 48. Researchers predict wolverines in the lower 48 could lose two-thirds of their snow-covered habitat needed for dens to raise their young by the end of this century due to climate change. They need protection!
After 20 years of efforts by Defenders of Wildlife and colleagues, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has finally proposed listing this population of wolverines in the lower 48 as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
The USFWS is accepting public comments until May 6 as they make their decision. They must hear from citizens who care about the future of wolverines if these animals are to get the federal protection they deserve!
Tell the USFWS that you strongly support federal protection for wolverines!
Dear US Fish and Wildlife Service,
As a strong supporter of wildlife and someone who is concerned about the future of our endangered species, I urge you to follow through with your proposal to list the wolverine as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
[Your comments will be inserted here.]
Wolverines are being threatened in the lower 48 states by climate change.
-- Wolverines need deep snow that lasts through spring for dens in which the females raise their young.
-- But wolverines in the Lower 48 could lose two-thirds of their snow-covered habitat by the end of this century due to climate change, and recovery of endangered species will be severely curtailed.
-- Federal protection will help wolverines survive a warming world by removing threats such as trapping, giving them a better chance to expand into unoccupied habitat.
-- Federal protection will provide the resources and attention needed for research and monitoring to better understand threats and help sustain wolverines into the future.
-- Wolverine reintroduction in high-alpine Colorado will help increase the chances of the species surviving in the Lower 48 in a warming future.
I urge the USFWS to give these animals the helping hand they desperately need!
