Brian Nesvik Nominated for USFWS Director

The future of America’s wildlife just became even more uncertain. Brian Nesvik, a man with a deeply troubling record on conservation, has been appointed as the new director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). This appointment is not just bad news—it’s terrifying for wolves, grizzlies, and all endangered species. Nesvik is best known for his tenure as the director of Wyoming Game and Fish Department, an agency notorious for its anti-wildlife policies. In 2024, his agency made headlines when it failed to take meaningful action against Cody Roberts, a man who ran down a juvenile wolf with a snowmobile, taped her muzzle shut, and then killed her—all for sport. The punishment? A mere $250 fine. A slap on the wrist for an act of unimaginable cruelty. This shocking case, widely referred to as “Wolf-Gate,” sparked national outrage. It showed the world that, under Nesvik’s leadership, wildlife was not just neglected—it was actively disregarded. And now, this same man will oversee federal wildlife protections? Nesvik’s past actions reveal his long-standing opposition to conservation efforts. He has actively supported efforts to strip protections from endangered species, once stating that the Endangered Species Act “must be pruned.” His stance aligns with the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, a group that prioritizes ranching profits over wildlife survival. His record also shows an alarming pattern of targeting iconic species.

From wolves and grizzlies to sage grouse, Nesvik has opposed protective measures that would help these species recover. Instead, he has repeatedly pushed for policies that favor hunting, ranching, and extractive industries. Additionally, he has supported efforts to open up public lands to oil, gas, and livestock interests, stripping protections for wildlife habitat in the process. With Nesvik at the helm of USFWS, we can expect looser protections for endangered species, increased hunting and lethal control of wolves, grizzlies, and other predators, more public lands handed over to ranching and extractive industries, and weaker enforcement against wildlife crimes. His lackadaisical response to the torture of that Wyoming wolf is just a glimpse into his dangerous ideology. We cannot stay silent while a man with anti-wildlife values is put in charge of protecting our most vulnerable species.

Now is the time to take action. Contact your representatives and demand that they oppose policies that weaken wildlife protections. Support us in fighting to protect the Endangered Species Act. Stay informed and spread awareness by sharing this issue with others who care about wildlife conservation. The fate of wolves, grizzlies, and all endangered species is at stake. Source: https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/wolf-gate-killing-dogs-trumps-fish-and-wildlife-nominee-2025-02-12/