Jaguars to get ESA protection?

A federal district court has ruled the lethargic U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has zero excuse for not drafting a recovery program for jaguars, unless it can come up with much better evidence than it has so far to justify inaction.

A little more attitude adjustment is in order with post-ruling comments like this:

The court’s decision does not mean a recovery plan and habitat designation are a foregone conclusion, said Fish & Wildlife spokesman Jeff Humphrey.

Sounds like pre-emptive foot dragging.

Meanwhile, the state of Arizona has something to answer for on jaguars, too.

The recently euthanized Macho B was allegedly baited with female jaguar scat for his first capture.