Colorado’s role as a potential snowy refuge remained cloudy Tuesday after a federal judge granted wolverines — imperiled by climate change — another shot at federal protection.
The judge rejected not to list wolverines as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen ruled the “time is now” to save wolverines, ordering a decision based on science alone and swift action to ensure survival.
“No greater level of certainty is needed to see the writing on the wall for this snow-dependent species standing squarely in the path of global climate change.”
Colorado wildlife officials but “all public conversations have been suspended pending the resolution of this case,” Colorado Parks and Wildlife spokesman Matt Robbins said.
“CPW still believes that state wildlife agencies within the wolverine range have developed conservation programs that are effective in maintaining wolverines within the lower 48 states,” Robbins said, adding the matter won’t be settled until possible appeals play out.
“Historically, Colorado was home to the wolverine. Although there are currently no documented wolverines in Colorado, the state has a substantial amount of high quality habitat, and there continues to be interest in wolverine conservation in Colorado,” he said.
The court decision means Fish and Wildlife officials must re-do their analysis that concluded there was too much scientific uncertainty about climate change impact on the late-season snow that wolverines need to build dens. Denver-based regional director Noreen Walsh overruled agency scientists in making that decision.
Fewer than 300 wolverines have survived in the lower 48 states. The only wolverine confirmed in Colorado, , hasn’t emitted a signal since October 2012. Uncannily-strong relatives of weasels, wolverines weigh up to 40 pounds and can kill much larger animals such as moose.
based on beliefs that the snow they need may decrease.
Conservationists lauded Monday’s decision.
It builds on the case of the polar bear for granting protection to species that face extinction due to melting snow and ice. A growing list of species including coral in the Caribbean may benefit from protection based on projected habitat changes linked to rising temperatures.
“We don’t have to know precisely why wolverines use snow for denning,” Western Environmental Law Center attorney Matthew Bishop said. “It’s enough to know they do and that snowpack in denning habitat will decline.”
Bruce Finley: 303-954-1700, bfinley@denverpost.com or @finleybruce
