FWS Seeks Public Comment in Polar Bear Status Review

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) began a routine status review this week to evaluate the current threatened status of the polar bear (Ursus maritimus) under the Endangered Species Act. Status reviews are common for listed species, and evaluate if the species should remain under the same listing, be reclassified, or be removed from the endangered species list. FWS will review new scientific and commercial data on the polar bear that has become available since its listing in 2008. As part of the review process FWS is asking the public to submit any new information on the species from now until December 14, 2015.

To learn how to submit information, visit the Federal Register