ODFW to consider better protections for imperiled martens

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Oregon fish and wildlife officials will consider new rules to protect the imperiled Humboldt marten under a court settlement reached with environmental groups.

The settlement follows a lawsuit filed by environmental groups that alleged state wildlife officials were not doing enough to curtail trapping of the mink-like animals.

The Humboldt marten was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in the 1990s.

Four isolated populations survive in coastal forests in southern Oregon and northern California.

The new rules — which may or may not include a trapping ban — would be in place by September.

California listed the Humboldt marten on its state list of endangered species last year.

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Information from: KOPB-FM, http://news.opb.org