On January 4, 2024, Wilderness Watch and our allies were in federal court in Boise, Idaho for a hearing on our lawsuit challenging Idaho's recreational wolf trapping and snaring program and its potential to result in killing or maiming threatened grizzly bears. Earthjustice attorney Mary Cochenour represents our coalition in the case.

Grizzly bears are protected as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act and wolf trapping risks killing or harming grizzlies. In fact, over the last 30 years, trappers have captured at least 19 grizzly bears in traps and snares set for wolves in Idaho and surrounding areas. Many of those grizzly bears suffered injuries, and four of them died. There are likely numerous additional captures, injuries, and deaths that have gone unreported.

The loss of even a few of these ecologically important keystone species could significantly hamper grizzly bear recovery in Idaho and violates the Endangered Species Act.

In this video clip, Wilderness Watch's Dana Johnson—who was at the hearing—explains what's at stake for wolves, grizzly bears, and Wilderness throughout the state of Idaho.

We’re asking a federal judge to halt recreational wolf trapping and snaring where grizzly bears might be present in Idaho, including in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness where grizzlies are making a notable reappearance after decades of absence.

As Dana explains in the video, we expect the judge to issue an order in the coming months, so please stay tuned and keep your paws crossed for a good ruling!

If you are able, please consider making a special donation so that we can continue to defend Wilderness, wolves, grizzly bears, and all the wildlife that call Wilderness home.