Grizzly bears will retain federal protection in the Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide Ecosystems. Yesterday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) denied Montana and Wyoming’s petition to delist grizzly bears within this area and, instead, called for a new “long-term approach for grizzly recovery,” according to KTVH News.

FWS “found grizzly bear populations in those two ecosystems do not, on their own…[a]fter a thorough review of the best scientific and commercial data available.”

Further, a new rule would clarify how Endangered Species Act protections would apply to grizzlies. Currently, it’s based upon managing bears in six distinct populations. The new rule would bring grizzlies under a collective federal protection umbrella that would encompass all grizzly bears south of Canada, which includes populations in Montana and Wyoming.

This rule will also create delays for state-level management.

“This reclassification will facilitate recovery of grizzly bears and provide a stronger foundation for eventual delisting,” said Martha Williams, FWS Director. “And the proposed changes to our 4(d) rule will provide management agencies and landowners more tools and flexibility to deal with human/bear conflicts, an essential part of grizzly bear recovery.”

FWS’s decision has sparked disapproval among Montana lawmakers: 

“The full recovery of the grizzly bear across the Rocky Mountain region should be acknowledged and celebrated – period. It’s time for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to catch up with the science, follow the law, and return the management of grizzlies to the states, where it belongs. We look forward to working with the incoming Trump administration to explore a new path forward,” said Governor Greg Gianforte, R-Montana.

U.S. Senator Steve Daines, R-Montana, said, “Today’s announcement is incredibly frustrating for Montana. For decades, Montana has followed the science and as a result, the bear has more than recovered in the Greater Yellowstone and the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystems. Continuing to move the goalposts on recovery is only harming the bear and putting our Montanan communities at risk. This is a shameful partisan play, and I’ll be pushing back every step of the way.”

“I was very disappointed in today's proposed rule from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service revising the Endangered Species Act listing for grizzly bears,” said U.S. Rep. Troy Downing, R-Montana. “I urge the incoming Trump Administration to trust the science and rescind this proposal before it is finalized. Montanans, especially our farmers and ranchers, are acutely aware of the harm that grizzly bears pose to communities around the state.”

The current grizzly estimate for Montana is more than 2,100 bears.

“For more than 50 years, ag producers and livestock users have been committed to the delisting of the grizzly bear,” said Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Director Christy Clark. “I thank them for the efforts. FWP will remain diligent in the continued recovery of the species to ensure the future viability of grizzlies in Montana. It’s beyond time for the federal government to recognize the science and follow the law. FWP and our partners have proven we are ready to manage this species at a state level. We will be exploring all our options to move forward.”

What do you think about this decision?