PORTLAND, Maine (AP) _ The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's first five-year review of federally protected Canada lynx from Maine to Washington State is going to take longer than originally envisioned.
Jim Zelenak from the federal agency says a new threat assessment is being undertaken with several other agencies, at least 15 states and more than 20 Native American tribes. He says that'll lead to a streamlined five-year review and recovery plan, but the plan won't be ready this summer as previously stated.
Canada lynx were declared threatened in 2000 and critical habitat has been designated in parts of Maine, Wyoming, Washington State, Montana, Idaho and Minnesota.
Based on the review, there will be a recovery plan to help lynx populations unless the process reveals the cat no longer warrants protection under the Endangered Species Act.