TL;DR
After two recent fatal and serious grizzly attacks in Glacier and Yellowstone, Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke has proposed removing federal protections for grizzly bears. Experts criticize the move as misleading and unsupported by science. The controversy highlights ongoing debates over wildlife management and safety.
Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke has publicly called for the removal of federal protections for grizzly bears after a series of recent attacks in national parks resulted in one death and two serious injuries.
On May 3, a 33-year-old hiker was killed by a grizzly in Glacier National Park, marking the first fatal attack there since 1998. The following day, in Yellowstone National Park, a grizzly attacked two brothers near Old Faithful, leaving both seriously injured. In response, Zinke posted on X (formerly Twitter) on May 12, urging the federal government to delist grizzlies from the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and transfer management authority to states.
Zinke’s statement claims that the grizzly population has recovered beyond sustainable levels, implying that delisting is necessary. His office did not respond to requests for further comment. Conversely, wildlife experts, including Chris Servheen, former national grizzly bear recovery coordinator, criticized Zinke’s stance, stating that the attacks are chance events unrelated to ESA protections or management jurisdiction.
Servheen emphasized that both recent attacks occurred within federally managed lands where states have no authority to manage grizzlies, regardless of their protected status. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has not yet announced any scientific review or decision regarding delisting, which is a requirement under current law, although Congress could bypass this process legislatively.
Why It Matters
This development is significant because it could influence federal wildlife policy and management practices, potentially reducing protections for an iconic species that has recovered from near-extinction. The move also raises questions about public safety, scientific consensus, and the role of politics in conservation decisions. Critics argue that delisting based on recent attacks ignores the rarity of such incidents and the importance of science-based management.
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Background
Grizzly bears have been listed under the ESA since 1975, with their population in the contiguous U.S. increasing from around 700 to nearly 2,000. The species’ recovery has been considered a conservation success story. However, conflicts between bears and humans persist, especially as human activity expands into bear habitats. Historically, management of grizzlies has involved federal oversight, with recent debates focusing on whether states should have more authority, especially in light of recent attacks.
“These interactions are chance events that would occur whether the grizzly was managed by state authorities or not.”
— Chris Servheen, former FWS grizzly bear recovery coordinator
“If they were to now come out and say grizzly bears should be delisted, they’d have to jump through some serious hoops to show why that science has changed in just over a year.”
— Andrea Zaccardi, legal director, Center for Biological Diversity
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What Remains Unclear
It remains unclear whether the FWS will initiate a formal scientific review or if Congress will pass legislation to delist the species. The legal and political processes involved could significantly influence the outcome, but no definitive decision has been announced.
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What’s Next
The FWS is expected to conduct a scientific review of the grizzly population’s status, though the timeline is uncertain. Congressional discussions or legislative actions could also accelerate or bypass this process, making the future management of grizzlies subject to political developments.
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Key Questions
Could the grizzly be delisted soon?
It is not yet clear whether the FWS will initiate a formal review or if legislative action will be taken to delist the species in the near future.
Are recent attacks common for grizzly bears?
No. Such attacks are extremely rare, and experts emphasize that they are often chance events unrelated to the species’ protected status.
What does delisting mean for grizzly bears?
Delisting would remove federal protections under the ESA, potentially shifting management authority to state agencies, which may have different conservation and safety policies.
What are the safety recommendations for hikers in bear country?
Experts advise traveling in groups of four or more, making noise, and carrying bear spray to reduce the risk of dangerous encounters.
