Julie Speegle of the National Marine Fisheries Service says the state of Alaska and representatives of the petroleum industry requested the extension.
The agency in December proposed listing ringed seals, the main prey of polar bears, as threatened because of projected sea ice loss and reduced snow cover. Two populations of bearded seals also were proposed for listing because of projected sea ice loss.
The original 60-day comment period would have ended Tuesday. The public will have an additional 45 days to comment.
State officials say the seals are not in imminent danger and are well-managed without protections provided by the Endangered Species Act.
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