HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the wolverine should be to be added to the list of endangered and threatened species.
But, the federal agency adds, adding the wolverine now is precluded by higher priorities — that is, other species considered in greater danger.
The agency says in a decision posted Monday that the small mammal known for its ferocity will be added to the candidate species list.
The Fish and Wildlife Service says wolverine’s range in the U.S. includes portions of Montana, Idaho, Washington, Wyoming, Colorado, Oregon, Utah and California.
Two years ago, the agency found the wolverine was not eligible for listing under the federal Endangered Species Act. Environmentalists sued, and last year the agency agreed to issue a new finding.
