Zack Waterman, (208) 515-6719 or zack.waterman@sierraclub.org
Boise, ID-- Last night, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved a trophy hunting season for grizzly bears in eastern Idaho less than a year after the animals were removed from the Endangered Species List. The vote was unanimous and marks the first approved hunt in over 40 years.
In response, Director of Sierra Club’s Idaho Chapter Zack Waterman released the following statement:
"With all the threats facing grizzly bears in the Yellowstone region, it makes no sense to add a trophy hunt especially so soon after grizzlies were removed from the Endangered Species list.
“Montana made a prudent and right choice in voting against a trophy hunt. Commitment to long term recovery and alternative management for the grizzly bear is absolutely essential.
“Grizzlies in eastern Idaho are critical for establishing connectivity between Yellowstone and other grizzly populations and for bringing grizzlies back to the vast wildlands of central Idaho where they once roamed. The death of even one grizzly is significant."
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.