US to Continue Protecting Rocky Mountain Grizzly Bears
The Biden administration announced it will maintain federal protections for approximately 2,000 Rocky Mountain grizzly bears, despite opposition from Republican-led states. While easing some restrictions to address human-bear conflicts—allowing ranchers to shoot bears attacking livestock and authorizing bear relocation—protections will be withdrawn in states where grizzlies are absent. This decision, potentially reversible under a future administration, faces criticism from Republican officials, while wildlife advocates express support. The agency will accept public comment on proposed hunting exemptions and loosened rules for shooting bears that attack livestock.
John Q. Hosedrinker