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Panel wrestles with delisting, wolves and grizzly management as oversight continues

Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries, House Natural Resources Committee · January 6, 2026

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Summary

Members asked the USFWS director about delisting the Greater Yellowstone grizzly and oversight of Colorado's wolf reintroduction; the director said recovery goals have been met in some areas but court rulings complicate delisting and that the Service will review Colorado's 10(j) permit compliance and requested documents from Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

Delisting of recovered predators and state oversight of reintroduction programs drew sustained questioning at the hearing.

Chair Hageman asked whether the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly meets the Endangered Species Act’s five delisting factors; Director Brian Nesbick answered that recovery is apparent and that the Service will use the best available science to inform future policy while recognizing court decisions that affect implementation.

Members also pressed on wolf reintroduction in Colorado. Congressman Crank said Colorado’s program moved quickly in January and raised concerns about source populations and a 10(j) permit. Nesbick said the Service has oversight authority under section 10 of the Endangered Species Act, has requested documents from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and will review whether protocol triggers have been met — for example, survival thresholds that would require a translocation protocol review.

Members raised public safety and game population effects from recovered predators; Nesbick acknowledged conflicts arise where predators occupy socially unsuitable areas and said states play a frontline role in management. Committee members asked the Service to follow up on specific survival statistics and protocol reviews for translocated wolves.