Landmark Case Filed: Animal Wellness Action Challenges U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Decision on Grizzly Bear Protections
Helena, MT – A significant legal challenge has been initiated in the District of Montana concerning the delisting of grizzly bears from the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Animal Wellness Action, alongside other prominent animal welfare and conservation organizations, has formally filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and other relevant federal agencies. The case, docketed as Animal Wellness Action et al. v. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service et al., seeks to overturn a recent decision that proponents argue jeopardizes the long-term survival and recovery of grizzly bear populations in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
The lawsuit, which was published on GovInfo by the District Court of Montana on August 6, 2025, centers on allegations that the USFWS failed to adequately consider the best available science and the ESA’s rigorous delisting criteria when making its determination. Animal Wellness Action and its co-plaintiffs contend that the grizzly bear, while showing signs of recovery in specific areas, still faces significant threats that warrant continued federal protection under the ESA.
Central to the plaintiffs’ arguments are concerns regarding the overall genetic health and connectivity of grizzly bear populations. They assert that removing federal protections prematurely could hinder ongoing efforts to facilitate the movement of bears between isolated populations, a crucial factor for maintaining genetic diversity and long-term viability. Furthermore, the filing highlights potential impacts on habitat quality and the management of human-bear conflict, suggesting that localized management plans may not be sufficient to address the broad-scale challenges faced by this iconic species.
The plaintiffs are advocating for a thorough review of the USFWS’s decision-making process, emphasizing the need for a science-based approach that prioritizes the recovery and sustained protection of grizzly bears. Their legal action aims to ensure that any delisting decisions are made with the utmost consideration for the species’ vulnerability and the ecological integrity of the landscapes they inhabit.
This legal battle underscores the ongoing, complex discussions surrounding wildlife management and conservation in the American West. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for grizzly bear populations and the broader application of the Endangered Species Act in future conservation efforts. The District of Montana is expected to carefully consider the arguments presented by both the plaintiffs and the federal agencies in the coming months.
24-097 – Animal Wellness Action et al v. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service et al
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