Earlier this month our case against the Department of the Interior was heard by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. Managing attorney Tim Preso of EarthJustice presented arguments on behalf of us and Defenders of Wildlife. The case argues that Grand Teton National Park improperly allows hunting on inholdings within the park. Inholdings are privately held parcels of land within the boundary of the park. For nearly 60 years, the park had authority over hunting within its borders including on the inholdings. However, after a wolf was killed for chasing livestock in 2014 (on inholding in photo above), the park arbitrarily changed it’s policy and allowed Wyoming to have authority over hunting within the park on inholdings. This compromises the integrity of the National Park land as a sanctuary for wildlife and especially puts wolves at risk now that they are no longer offered protection in Wyoming.
“The National Park Service arbitrarily opened the door to authorizing hunting in one of our crown jewel national parks,” argued Earthjustice attorney Timothy Preso before the court.
This case has huge implications for the hunting of animals that are not protected in the state such as porcupines, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, and more. It has further implications for both wolves and grizzlies. If grizzlies are delisted, then they can also be considered for hunting within these inholdings including familiar roadside bears like 399.
We will continue to fight for wildlife throughout Wyoming and within one of our most incredible national parks. We intend to make sure all our wildlife is safe within the national park including those given no protection from the state.
Read all the latest updates on this case, our Alkali Feedground case, wolves and grizzlies in our October newsletter here.
