Wolverines have been denied protection under the Endangered Species Act after wildlife officials said there was "insufficient evidence" supporting the claim that the bushy-tailed animals have been hurt by climate change.
"After carefully considering the best available science, the Service has determined that the effects of climate change are not likely to place the wolverine in danger of extinction now or in the foreseeable future," Fish and Wildlife Service spokesman Gavin Shire said in a statement.
Citing diminishing mountain snows, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service last year proposed that the around 300 wolverines left in the U.S. be given protected status under the 1973 measure, Reuters reported.
The proposal came as a result of the theory that less snow on the mountains means that fewer wolverines are denning and reproducing, according to The Salt Lake Tribune.
Most of the wolverines in the U.S. are found in Idaho, Wyoming and Montana, the last of which will decide next year if a limited wolverine trapping season should be reintroduced.
One environmentalist wasn't thrilled with the news, which was announced Tuesday, saying that denying the wolverine federally protected status is an example of the current administration's disregard for conserving wildlife.
"All of the science points to the wolverine being in serious trouble," said Noah Greenwald, endangered species director for the Center for Biological Diversity, as quoted by Reuters. "The Service's own biologists said global warming was pushing the wolverine toward extinction and urged listing."
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