U.S. FWS Denies Montana Petition To Delist Grizzly Bears

 In a decisive move that has significant implications for grizzly bear management in Montana, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) on Wednesday reaffirmed the protected status of grizzly bears on the Endangered Species List, rejecting petitions from state officials in Montana and Wyoming to delist the species in specific recovery zones.

In a comprehensive 171-page document released on January 8, the agency addressed concerns from Montana and Wyoming, rejecting their requests to shift responsibility for managing grizzly bear populations to the states.

Instead, the USFWS proposed a new approach, advocating for the management of grizzly bears as a single population across the broader ecosystem, which spans Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, and Washington. This shift would aim to support long-term recovery efforts, ensuring that grizzly populations are protected and continue to thrive across the region.

The USFWS also proposed revisions to existing protective regulations, aiming to provide greater flexibility in managing potential conflicts between grizzly bears and human activities.

These revisions would allow for more responsive and adaptive strategies in areas where grizzly bears may be encountering increased interactions with humans, livestock, or infrastructure.

Montana, which has seen a steady increase in grizzly populations, has been a focal point in the debate over bear management. Many local officials have voiced concerns that grizzly bears, once reintroduced in the area, have grown in number and are now encroaching on human settlements, presenting safety and agricultural concerns. In response, the state had petitioned to remove certain grizzly populations from the endangered species list in an effort to shift management responsibilities to local authorities.

However, the USFWS’s rejection of the delisting petitions means that Montana, along with its neighboring states, will continue to rely on federal oversight in managing these protected species. The proposed rule clarifies the boundaries of the "Distinct Population Segment" where grizzly bears will remain protected, including the entirety of Washington and parts of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.

The announcement signals a renewed commitment to the conservation of grizzly bears in the lower 48 states. The USFWS's proposal aims not only to strengthen protections but also to address ongoing concerns from communities living alongside the bears.

Public Meetings Scheduled for Input

As part of the ongoing efforts to engage the public in this important conversation, the USFWS has scheduled a series of public meetings across the region. The meetings will provide information about the proposed changes and offer a platform for the public to voice their concerns.

In Montana, the first public meeting will take place on January 28, 2025, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Missoula. The session will feature an information meeting from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a formal public hearing from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This will be an opportunity for residents to discuss the proposed rule, hear from experts, and submit comments.

Other meetings are scheduled for Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Cody, Wyoming, with a virtual meeting also planned for January 30.

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The public will have the opportunity to comment on the proposed changes for 60 days once the notice is published in the Federal Register in the coming days. Montana residents, along with others from the affected states, are encouraged to participate in these sessions to ensure that their voices are heard as the USFWS moves forward with its plan for grizzly bear conservation in the region.