Yellowstone Grizzlies: a bright or cloudy future?

Yellowstone Grizzly and Cub: NPS

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) recently announced its intention to remove federal protections for the Yellowstone Grizzly bear. The grizzly bear was put on the endangered species list when its population plummeted to less than 150 individuals. After more than 40 years of federal protection the number of Yellowstone grizzly bears is now roughly 700.

The USFWS believes it's time to remove federal protection and allow the surrounding states of Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana to take a greater role in the animals' management.

What is the USFWS plan for the bears' long-term survival? What are the ramifications of lifting federal safeguards? Is the Bears' future rosy or gloomy? We will look at these questions and more on this edition of National Park Talk.

The episode can be found here. Or at the YouTube link below.

To submit comments on the USFWS' Yellowstone Grizzly Bear plan please click here.

 

 

Sean Smith is a former Yellowstone Ranger, and an award winning conservationist, TEDx speaker, and author. He writes national park thrillers from his home in the shadow of Mount Rainier National Park. To learn more about his thrillers click here or follow him on twitter: @parkthrillers