“Managing wildlife in the United States involves a complex mix of distinct, shared and overlapping jurisdictions between states, tribes and the federal government. Mainly, and at its best, it is a cooperative and professional endeavor. We have a long history of cooperative management with the states, including Alaska, and we have deep respect and admiration for our state agency professional colleagues.

But there comes a time when the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service must stand up for the authorities and principles that underpin our work and say “no.” That’s why this week, we are joining our sister-agency, the National Park Service, and finalizing regulations governing predator management on Alaska refuges.”