Distinctly Montana Magazine

W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA NA . C O M 15 In 2016, the US Fish and Wildlife Service proposed removing Endan- gered Species Act protections for Yellowstone grizzly bear, citing a recovered population. A final rule is expected in 2017. Delisting would return management authority over grizzlies to the states of Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. These states propose renewal of a sport hunt on grizzly bears and freer killing of bears involved in conflicts to reduce the size and distribution of Yellow- stone's grizzly bear population. Questions about management, remaining threats, and current status of the population have precipitated a fierce public debate. The outcome will shape the future of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, as well as other species covered by this umbrella species. A record-breaking number of com- ments — over 650,000 — were submitted on the draft rule to remove ESA protections, with 99% expressing opposition, including world-famous scientists such as Drs. Jane Goodall, George Schaller and E.O Wilson. These scientists are concerned that delisting and sport hunting would again drive the population back to the brink of extinction. They argue that Yellowstone's grizzly bears need access to more wild country to compensate for the loss of critical foods and the ongo- ing threats posed by climate change. In an unprecedented show of concern, 120 Indian tribes also expressed opposition to removal of protections, with a prospective sport hunt leading to the murder of animals they consider relatives. The tribes are seeking formal government-to-government consultation and co-management of grizzlies that live on reservation lands. Some groups support removal of ESA protections, including ranchers who would like greater opportunity to kill bears involved in livestock conflicts. Sport hunting groups, such as the Safari Club, support delisting because of the promise of trophy hunting. And the energy industry sees removal of protections as prelude to accessing areas previously protected for grizzly bear conservation. For more on the delisting issue, see www.grizzlytimes.org For more information on scientists' concerns, see www.keepgrizzliesprotected.com FRANK VARGO DAVID MATTSON Map of suitable and occupied Grizzly bear habitat in the Northern Rockies with potential connec- tions to Yellowstone. Red denotes core habitat, pink is peripheral habitat. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROPOSES REMOVING ENDANGERED SPECIES PROTECTIONS FOR NATIONAL PARK GRIZZLIES like humans in their ability to stand upright on hind legs, eat the same foods, and fiercely protect their young from danger, including from humans who come too close. PROGRESS AND PROSPECTS FOR YELLOWSTONE GRIZZLIES Yellowstone's bears are of just five grizzly bear populations left in the lower-48 states. Before Europeans arrived, as many as 70,000 grizzly bears roamed from the Mississippi River to the California coast, and from Canada to Mexico. In just 60 years, between 1850 and 1910, European settlers eliminated grizzlies from over 90% of this range. Armed with rifles and the narrative of Manifest Destiny, fron- tiersmen were hell-bent on taming the West in the name of progress. What they lacked in numbers, they made up for in motivation. Curious bears investigate a bear trap in Glacier NP. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CONTINUED

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