Native Americans Oppose Stripping Protection From Yellowstone Grizzlies

"SALMON, Idaho -- Native American tribes on Wednesday called for the U.S. government to halt plans to strip grizzly bears in and around Yellowstone of Endangered Species Act protection because it would open the way for trophy hunting in Idaho and two other states bordering the national park.

Government bear managers have said the 700-plus grizzlies in the Yellowstone area have exceeded their recovery goal of 500 bears and no longer need federal protection.

But more than 40 American Indian nations have formed a coalition called GOAL to oppose delisting an animal they consider sacred and central to their religious and cultural traditions. They are arguing that allowing hunters to kill them and either make them into rugs or mount their carcasses for display is abhorrent."

Laura Zuckerman reports for Reuters November 11, 2015.