"U.S. Groups Threaten To Sue Over Loss Of Grizzlies' Protection"

"SALMON, Idaho -- Conservationists threatened to sue on Friday in order to block a plan by U.S. wildlife managers that strips grizzly bears of federal protection, opening them to hunting around Yellowstone National Park.

Three coalitions - the Humane Society, WildEarth Guardians and another that includes the Sierra Club and the Northern Cheyenne Tribe - each formally notified Republican President Donald Trump's administration that they intend to file lawsuits to prevent the delisting of the bears as endangered species.

'Truly recovering grizzly bears requires more than making Yellowstone into a proverbial zoo," said WildEarth Guardians carnivore advocate Kelly Nokes in a statement. "Bears need protections across their range.'"

Laura Zuckerman reports for Reuters June 30, 2017.