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Bulletin

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Seeks Tribal Input on Listing Status of the Yellowstone Grizzly Bear

For Immediate Release

June 18, 2015

Credit: USFWS.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is in the early stages of considering the Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing status of the Yellowstone grizzly bear. While we recently reached out to tribes near the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), we did not initially appreciate the breadth of historical, cultural, and spiritual connection some tribes outside that area have with the grizzly bear and the GYE. As a result, we at the Service are redoubling our efforts to engage our valued tribal partners who may be interested in government-to-government consultation on this matter. See a copy of the letter here.

In 1975, the grizzly bear in the lower 48 states was listed as threatened under the ESA. Today, the scientific data, population surveys, and on-the-ground monitoring show us the Yellowstone grizzly bear is a healthy, self-sustaining population that has nearly tripled in number, and has almost completely occupied the suitable habitat available in the GYE. 

The objective of the ESA is to recover listed species so they no longer need protection. If the science shows the present threatened status of the Yellowstone grizzly bear warrants delisting, this action would only impact the Yellowstone area population.  All other grizzly bear populations would remain listed under the ESA. 

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service.

For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/. Connect with our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/USFWSMountainPrairie, follow our tweets at http://twitter.com/USFWSMtnPrairie, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwsmtnprairie/.

– FWS –