Is It Time to Delist Grizzly Bear? Montana Congressman Says Yes

Last Friday, my colleague shared a story with us about an unfortunate bear-related incident that claimed the life of a hiker who was previously reported missing.

The incident marked the first since the late 1980's. Now, Montana leaders are speaking up about it.

A Montana Congressman Urges Immediate Action

In a post shared to Facebook on Wednesday morning, Congressman Ryan Zinke urged immediate action in response to the attack.

"Last week, two grizzly bear attacks claimed the life of a hiker in Glacier National Park and seriously injured two others in Yellowstone National Park," Zinke shared in his post. "These tragedies are a sobering reminder that grizzly bear populations have recovered well beyond sustainable levels, and it is past time for the federal government to delist them and give states the management tools they need to protect both people and wildlife."

"Delist the grizzly."

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According to U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, grizzly bears listed under the Endangered Species Act back in 1975 throughout the lower 48 states.

Officials believed Montana, along with Idaho, Washington, and Wyoming, provided a "suitable habit" and an environment that could help grizzly bears recover.

Is It Time to Delist Grizzly Bears in Montana?

As you would expect, some folks strongly expressed their opinions to Congressman Zinke about the subject.

"Whether you agree or disagree on delisting the Grizzly, these two encounters within protected wild spaces are not the data points we should be using to make that decision," one person commented.

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"Almost like Montana is home to bison, wolves, and bears," another shared with an eyeroll emoji at the end.

What do YOU think? Is it time for grizzly bears to get delisted? Share your thoughts with us HERE.