Conservation groups to sue over wolverine decision (Update)

Two coalitions of advocacy groups have filed notices that they intend to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over its withdrawal of proposed protections for the wolverine.

The federal agency reversed course Tuesday and said it does not consider climate change a threat to the long-term survival of the members of the weasel family.

Wolverines need deep, late-season snow to den, and wildlife officials last year proposed increased protections to keep the animals from extinction.

But Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe says predictions about the localized effects of climate change are uncertain.

The notices filed Wednesday by Earthjustice and the Western Environmental Law Center give officials 60 days to reconsider.

Earthjustice attorney Adrienne Maxwell says the government is ignoring evidence that warmer temperatures will reduce wolverine habitat.

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