Commission Reclassifies Grizzly, Eagles, Peregrines

Three Idaho species currently classified as threatened under Idaho law have been reclassified. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission meeting July 22 and 23 adopted a Fish and Game proposal to reclassify grizzly bears as a big game species and to classify the bald eagle and peregrine falcon as protected nongame species. The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service took the peregrine off endangered status under federal law in 1999, and the bald eagle and Yellowstone grizzly bears in 2007. After legislative review and approval, Idaho code would match federal law regarding these three species.