Yellowstone grizzlies keep federal protection

Grizzly bears in and around Yellowstone National Park will enjoy continued protection under the Endangered Species Act due to a decline in one of their main food sources.

Tuesday's ruling from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocks the federal government's effort to lift protections on about 600 threatened grizzlies in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho.

Two members of the three-judge panel criticized government wildlife officials for a "damn-the-torpedoes approach" to removing protections.

Some grizzly bears rely on whitebark pine nuts as a key food source. Beetle infestations brought on by a warmer climate have killed huge swaths of the trees at high elevations in the Yellowstone region.

Government biologists argue grizzlies can adapt and find other food sources.

Grizzlies and polar bears are the only wildlife species to earn protection in recognition of harm caused by global warming. Both are considered "threatened."

Events

Turkey Trot

When: Today

Where: Woodward Park

Make room (and feel better) about the cornucopia of Thanksgiving indulgences by running in this 12th annual event.

The 5-kilometer main event (8 a.m.) follows the same course as the state cross country championships, followed by a non-competitive 2-mile walk at 8:05. There is no raceday registration.

News & notes

• The California Fish and Game Commission has decided not to consider any changes to the statewide regulations for striped bass until its February meeting in Sacramento so that anglers living near the Delta will be able to voice their opinions.

The changes, which would loosen size and possession limits for the prized sport fish, are strongly opposed by fishing groups over fears the species would soon be decimated. A recent public forum in Rio Vista drew 350 people, almost all of them against the proposal.

• China Peak will be open Friday through Sunday from this weekend through Dec. 16, when the Huntington Lake resort will switch to daily operations if there is enough snow.

Operators are hoping to have three chairlifts open this weekend, plus the learning area and some terrain park features. Details: skichinapeak.com.

Meanwhile, opening day at Yosemite's Badger Pass is scheduled for Dec. 16. Details: yosemitepark.com/badgerpass.aspx.

• Get your skis and snowboard ready for the slopes by learning how to properly wax and tune them during free seminars Sunday and Dec. 4 at REI. Both classes take place at 2 p.m. Sign up at rei.com/fresno.

• The Sierra Foothill Conservancy is offering a Saturday hike on the Table Mountain Discovery Trail. Reserve a spot at sierrafoothill.org or by calling (559) 855-3473. Hikers also can go to the table tops.

• Sierra National Forest roads to Kaiser Pass, Courtright and Wishon reservoirs and McKinley Grove are closed for the season. Black Rock Road is closed at the Haas Powerhouse turnoff.