Feds announce plans to reintroduce grizzlies to the Cascades

Federal agencies announced plans today to reintroduce grizzly bears into the northern Cascade Mountains in Washington that could come from northwest Montana.

There are no known grizzly populations currently living in the Cascades, which is part of the species’ historical range.

The U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service will open a 30-day public comment period starting Monday on the potential plan to reintroduce grizzly bears into the region.

The agencies say that there are several options, including releasing three to seven bears per year in the Northern Cascade Ecosystem to establish an initial population of 25 bears. The plan calls for bears to come from British Columbia or the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem in and around Glacier National Park.

A similar plan was withdrawn two years ago following opposition from farmers and ranchers.

Timeline: A History Of Grizzly Bear Recovery In The Lower 48 States

Facing threats from habitat loss, hunting and conflicts with people and livestock, grizzly bear numbers dwindled to fewer than 1,000 in the lower 48 by the time the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was implemented in 1975. Now, wildlife managers say the Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide populations have recovered and are ready for delisting. Here's a timeline of the management actions, court cases and notable events that have shaped grizzly bear recovery since their ESA listing through today.