Continuing the Crook County News Since 1884

Wyoming sues over feds' tardiness on grizzly delisting decision

A Gov. Mark Gordon-led petition targeting the U.S. Department of Interior is intended to compel action on the state's earlier petition. Ultimately, the goal is for Wyoming to gain control over - and hunt - its grizzly bears

The state of Wyoming is going to court again over grizzly bears, this time because federal wildlife officials missed a deadline to decide whether they would pursue removing Endangered Species Act protections.

State officials announced their petition in a cheeky press release this week, accusing the U.S. Department of Interior of "hibernating" on deadline.

"The petition seeks to remedy the DOI's inaction," the statement from Gov. Mark Gordon's office said.

Under federal policy, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has 12 months to respond to petitions seeking Endangered Species Act protections fo...