Touted as one of the greatest wildlife comeback stories in history, the recovery of Yellowstone grizzly bears reached a milestone this week.

In a much anticipated, though highly controversial, move, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced its intent to remove longstanding federal protections for the bruins that make their home primarily in and around Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.  

This downgrading is premature, allege independent scientists, a diverse array of conservation organizations, and Native American tribes. What’s even worse is the government's plan to restart trophy sport hunting of grizzlies is a bad one. (Read "What's Next For Yellowstone's Grizzlies?")

If the federal government is successful, the very states—Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho—that had their management authority over grizzlies taken away for failing to keep their populations healthy will again assume primary custodial care. 

Given still-festering hostility toward wildlife predators, many point to Wyoming's treatment of federally recovered