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A grizzly bear that wanders across the border from Montana or Alberta to B.C. changes from being a protected endangered species to staring down the barrel of a gun, illustrating the inadequate patchwork of laws, says a new report.

The study by the David Suzuki Foundation, Ecojustice and U.S.-based Conservation Northwest says more than 1,900 species are at risk of extinction or extirpation in B.C. because of lack of protection.

"This clearly demonstrates the urgent need for B.C. to pass its own endangered species law -- animals shouldn't need passports to get protection," said Michelle Connolly, Suzuki Foundation scientist and co-author of the report.

"Animals such as lynx and wolves are protected south of the border and can be legally hunted in B.C.," she said.

About 96 per cent of those species at risk, from snowy owls to Pacific giant salamanders, cross boundaries from neighboring jurisdictions and face perils when they reach B.C., said Faisal Moola, Suzuki Foundation science director.

"But, only nine per cent of B.C.'s transboundary species at risk receive any kind of legal protection in B.C., and legal protections for species at risk in neighbouring U.S. jurisdictions are significantly stronger than at home," he said.

B.C. and Alberta are the only provinces that do not have stand-alone species-at-risk legislation, even though B.C. is the most biodiverse province in Canada, Connolly said.

The study recommends B.C. improve co-ordination of conservation efforts with its neighbours, including planning for shifting wildlife ranges because of climate change.