Montana wildlife managers have released their final analysis of the environmental impacts of state management of grizzly bears.
If Montana manages grizzlies, it would have less tolerance than the federal government for conflict bears outside of designated habitat.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks recommends managing the species spread out across the state under one plan. It would work on connecting dispersed populations and outline areas where the agency wants grizzly bears to be, as well as areas where it does not. Because grizzlies already live in the region, the analysis finds little to no negative impact on the environment.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering delisting bears in the Northern Continental Divide and Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem populations — and plans to make its decision soon.
Montana’s Fish and Wildlife Commission has said it won’t allow grizzly bear hunting for at least the first five years after delisting.
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There are now more grizzly bears in more places in and around Yellowstone National Park than at any time in over a century. But until this spring, the population lacked genetic diversity. Montana Public Radio’s Nick Mott reports on how fresh bear genes got into Yellowstone, and what it could mean for the bears' endangered species protections. -
Search and Rescue crews in Glacier National Park have discovered the remains of a hiker who had been missing since Sunday evening. Park officials say the injuries are consistent with those sustained by a bear attack. -
The deadline to decide on whether grizzly bears will remain under federal protection has been pushed back by a year. The U.S.. Fish and Wildlife Service was originally court-ordered to make a decision by the end of January, but last Friday, a federal judge extended that deadline to the end of the year. -
Raising domestic livestock in wild places comes with challenges. Especially when ranching happens alongside predators like grizzly bears and wolves. New research sheds light on decades-old practice of monitoring livestock and deterring predators on horseback. -
Recreationists in several National Forests must keep all food and attractants safely contained and away from wildlife. That’s mandated by Food Storage Orders. A group of volunteers are helping enforce the orders amid staffing cuts
