For the first time in 40 years, biologists from Washington have collared a grizzly in the state. The WDFW confirmed that they captured the sow and collared it. The sow was captured about 10 miles from the Washington-Idaho state line. Once the bear was captured, the biologists decided to collar it. Collaring the bear will help biologists study its patterns. Likewise, it will let the biologists know how often the bear is crossing back and forth between Washington and Idaho or if the bear is spending most of its time in one state or the other.
“Grizzly bears once occupied much of the Cascade and Selkirk Ranges, but their numbers were severely reduced as a result of persecution by early settlers and habitat degradation. Grizzly bear recovery started in 1981 and it took 40 years to confirm the first known female in Washington.” – Rich Beausoleil, State Biologist
First Female Grizzly in 40 Years
Biologists first became aware of the grizzly when they captured images of it on trail cameras in the area. The bear has seemed to be spending a decent amount of time in the Selkirk Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone in the Selkirk Mountains. The Selkirks are one of six Grizzly Bear Recovery Areas. The overall grizzly population in the areas is considered “healthy” and is growing at a rate of 3% a year.
Despite the bear being close to the Idaho border, the biologists believe that this female grizzly is a local bear. They hope to prove that with the data provided from the collar. Over the last couple of years, a few male grizzlies have been caught in Washington. However, this was the first time they have captured a female in 40 years. Currently, grizzly bears are still listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. As a result, Washington state biologists will continue to work with federal wildlife managers to study the grizzlies within the state. You can read more about grizzly bears by clicking here.
