WYOMING APPROVES GRIZZLY MANAGEMENT PLAN – The growing numbers of grizzly bears has become concerning in the Tri-State Yellowstone area. There have been many discussions about removing bears from the endangered species list. As a result, there have been recent steps in moving towards having the bears delisted.
It’s the first step in the process to address the court’s concerns to delist grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Wyoming Approves MOA
On November 30th, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commision took the first step in managing grizzlies in the Tri-State Yellowstone area. In short, the revised plan was approved by the commission. Furthermore, the plan addresses several aspects of the grizzly population.
Firstly, it recognizes the large number of bears in the territory. New population analysis shows that the bears numbers exceed 1,000 in the territory. The data shows that the bears have “grown beyond the edges of the bear’s biological and socially suitable range.”
Secondly, the revised plan addresses the concern of diverse genetics. In the plan, it is recommended that translocation will take place to avoid any genetic issues.
“Wyoming has worked collaboratively with Idaho and Montana to make these updates,” said Rick King, chief of wildlife for Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
Idaho and Montana
In conclusion, the Tri-State Yellowstone area includes three states. Now, with Wyoming’s approval, the responsibility lies with Idaho and Montana to now approve. Subsequently, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission is strongly encouraging the other states to approve the revised plan. With all three states approving the plan, it will go a long way in getting the courts to remove the bears from the list. Most importantly, removing them from the list will allow for management and discretionary mortality.
Do you support delisting grizzly bears from the endangered species list?
