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FWS Ends Criminal Liability for Accidental Wildlife Killings

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 3:49 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik issued a rule ending criminal liability for accidental wildlife killings.
The rule reverses prior accountability for accidental deaths of grizzly bears, manatees, and spotted owls.
Administration officials cite a 2024 Supreme Court decision limiting agency authority as justification.
States, conservation groups and former agency head Dan Ashe have sued, calling the rule a loophole.

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Story summary

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik issued a rule ending criminal liability for accidental wildlife killings.
The rule reverses prior accountability for accidental deaths of grizzly bears, manatees, and spotted owls.
Administration officials cite a 2024 Supreme Court decision limiting agency authority as justification.
States, conservation groups and former agency head Dan Ashe have sued, calling the rule a loophole.