Montana News
Wildlife managers release final analysis for state management of grizzly bears
With Montana News, I'm Eleanor Smith. Montana wildlife managers have released their final analysis on the environmental impacts of state management of grizzly bears. MTPR's Ellis Julian has more on the plan for the bears if they're removed from federal protections. If Montana manages grizzlies, it would have less tolerance than the federal government for conflict bears outside of designated habitat. Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks proposes managing the population spread out across the state under one plan. It would work on connecting dispersed populations and outline areas where the agency wants grizzly bears to be, as well as the areas where it does not. Because grizzlies already live in the region, the analysis finds little to no negative impact on the environment. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering de-listing bears in the northern continental divide and greater Yellowstone ecosystem populations and plans to make its decision soon. Montana's Fish and Wildlife Commission is said it won't allow grizzly bear hunting for at least the first five years after de-listing. and Missoula, I'm Ellis Julin.