Groups say wolf traps threaten lynx in Montana

Four conservation organizations filed a notice Tuesday of their intent to sue the state, claiming that allowing trapping in Montana kills and injures Canada lynx, which is a species listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act.

In a news release, the Alliance for the Wild Rockies, the WildEarth Guardians, the Friends of the Wild Swan and the Native Ecosystem Council said that at least nine Montana lynx have been captured since the species was listed in March 2000, and four are known to have died from trapping.

The conservation groups allege that trapping and snaring in occupied lynx habitat is illegal because Montana has not exercised “due care” to prevent harm to lynx as required by the Endangered Species Act.