goblue
12-14-2010, 07:22 PM
Helena, Mont. - Wolverines should be added to the list of endangered and threatened species, but other species considered in greater danger will prevent the small, ferocious mammal from protection for now, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said Monday. The federal agency's decision found that the North American wolverine is a distinct population segment and that its addition to the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants is warranted.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says wolverines' range in the U.S. includes portions of Montana, Idaho, Washington, Wyoming, Colorado, Oregon, Utah and California, but the animal also travels outside that range. The wolverine was on Michigan's endangered species list until the late 1990's, when it was removed because it wasn't expected to return after its last confirmed sightings were by fur traders in the late 1700's and early 1800's.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says wolverines' range in the U.S. includes portions of Montana, Idaho, Washington, Wyoming, Colorado, Oregon, Utah and California, but the animal also travels outside that range. The wolverine was on Michigan's endangered species list until the late 1990's, when it was removed because it wasn't expected to return after its last confirmed sightings were by fur traders in the late 1700's and early 1800's.