New Grizzly Bear Management Plan Hits Montana

Grizzly bears throughout Montana are on high alert following the news yesterday that the power to manage grizzly bear populations back to the states.

If you're a grizzly bear, there's a good chance you're getting a little nervous reading this but don't worry - it's not open season...

...not yet.

Montana Grizzly Bear Announcement

Governor Gianforte, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, Idaho Governor Brad Little, and Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon got together for an announcement yesterday regarding a proposal to give the power to manage grizzly bears back to the states.

"Thanks to the work of Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and many Montanans over decades, the grizzly bear recovery story is one of America's great conservation successes," Governor Gianforte said, "With this success has come a challenge – bears have expanded into new areas and conflicts have increased with farmers, ranchers, recreationists, and residents."

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"Returning management to the states is a welcome change and Montana is ready to lead to balance conservation and the safety of our communities."

If the proposal is finalized, it would "provide a tiered framework allowing Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) to have more flexibility in managing a federally listed species in areas where local populations are thriving" according to the Office of the Governor.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Grizzly Bears in Montana?

For now, the grizzly bear community doesn't have to worry about getting gunned down while heading out for a meal.

But this could be an early sign that officials are looking to delist the grizzly bear by the end of the year. A federal judge in Idaho gave U.S. Fish and Wildlife until December 18th of this year to "finalize a rule that either revies or fully removes the listing" according to Western Priorities.

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Between now and then, states will have a chance to show they can handle day-to-day management before the big December decision.

It does beg the question of whether or not we'll start to see grizzly hunts though. If the federal government were to delist the grizzly, the hunts would be highly regulated and (likely) extremely limited - imagine that drawing!

Not Everyone is Happy With the Proposal

The folks over at Earthjustice aren't too thrilled with the news. On their site, Earthjustice says "to live in Grizzly Country is a gift, but one that requires care and commitment to preserve it."

They argue that "handing over greater management of the species to the states could jeopardize continued recovery efforts."

"Until we achieve a robust interconnected population and states commit to maintaining their recovery, grizzly bears must remain protected under the Endangered Species Act."

What do YOU think? Are we moving toward the right direction with how we co-exist with grizzly bears? Let me know your thoughts HERE.