Groups Urge Protection for Rocky Mountain Grizzlies Before Trump Takes Office
Can Grizzly Bears Roam Free? Conservationists Urge Protection Before Trump Takes Office
CHEYENNE, Wyo. – As President Donald Trump prepares to retake office, environmental groups are racing against the clock to secure the future of Rocky Mountain grizzly bears.
On Wednesday, 14 conservation organizations, including the Sierra Club and Humane Society of the United States, petitioned the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to take immediate action to connect fragmented grizzly bear populations. They urge federal officials to encourage grizzlies to expand their range from the Yellowstone ecosystem in Wyoming, across parts of Idaho and Montana, to the glacier National Park region.
“Overwhelming scientific consensus agrees that a naturally connected metapopulation of grizzly bears will lead to improved genetic diversity and greater demographic resiliency of the species,” the petition,submitted by Earthjustice lawyers,states.A Clash of Interests
Expanding grizzly habitat, however, faces fierce opposition from ranchers who fear for their livestock. Jim Magagna, executive vice president of the Wyoming stock Growers association, argues that not all areas are suitable for grizzlies.
“As the population gets out of hand — which we believe it’s doing at this point — yes, they start to expand into other areas but they’re not natural areas for grizzly bears,” Magagna said. “Therefore, they present more of a problem.”
Ranchers plan to press the incoming Trump administration to remove protections for grizzlies, a move that woudl allow for state-managed hunting programs similar to those currently in place for wolves.
A Race Against Time
The Fish and Wildlife Service faces a court-imposed deadline of January 20th – the same day Trump takes office – to decide whether to continue protecting grizzlies as a federally threatened species.This deadline follows a year-long delay by the agency.
The previous Trump administration briefly removed federal protections for grizzlies but was blocked by courts. Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho continue to seek state management of grizzly populations.
A Legacy of Loss and Hope
Since being listed as threatened in 1975, the Rocky Mountain grizzly population has doubled to around 2,000 animals.Though, they still face numerous threats, including habitat loss, climate change, and human-wildlife conflict.This year alone, a record 73 grizzly deaths in the Yellowstone region were attributed to or possibly caused by humans, according to Earthjustice.
The recent death of No. 399,a beloved grizzly bear known for raising numerous cubs near roads in Grand Teton National Park,highlights the dangers grizzlies face from vehicle traffic.
A Call for connection
Conservationists argue that connecting grizzly populations is crucial for their long-term survival. Chris Servheen, former grizzly bear recovery coordinator for the Fish and Wildlife Service, has updated his 1993 recovery plan, emphasizing the need for increased connectivity and protection from threats like wolf snares.
“If they delisted all of the grizzly bears, the game is over for grizzly bears and it wouldn’t be a recovery plan,” Servheen said.
The fate of the grizzly bear hangs in the balance as the clock ticks down to the Trump administration’s return. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether thes iconic animals will have a chance to roam free and thrive for generations to come.
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