TL;DR
After two fatal and serious bear attacks in Glacier and Yellowstone, Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke advocates for removing federal protections for grizzly bears. Experts criticize the move, citing insufficient evidence and risk of misinformation.
Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke has called for the removal of federal protections for grizzly bears following two recent attacks in national parks that 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 next day, in Yellowstone National Park, two brothers aged 14 and 28 were seriously injured after a bear attack near Old Faithful. In response, Zinke posted on X (formerly Twitter) on May 12, urging the federal government to delist the species, claiming that the bear population has recovered beyond sustainable levels.
Zinke’s proposal suggests that states should manage the bears instead of federal oversight. However, experts like Chris Servheen, a former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) grizzly recovery coordinator, dispute this claim, stating that the attacks are chance events unrelated to the species’ protected status and that the population has not yet reached the point where protections should be removed.
Why It Matters
This development is significant because it could lead to policy changes that affect grizzly bear conservation and management across the U.S. If protections are removed, states would gain authority to manage the bears, potentially impacting their recovery and human-wildlife interactions. The debate highlights tensions between conservation efforts and local management interests.
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Background
Grizzly bears have been protected under the Endangered Species Act since 1975, with their population in the contiguous U.S. growing from about 700 to nearly 2,000. Recent management debates have intensified following a series of attacks, with some political figures advocating for delisting. The FWS’s 2025 review supported continued protection, citing the need for further recovery, but legislative efforts could bypass scientific assessments.
“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
“Saying delisting is necessary because of two recent attacks is misleading and ignores the science supporting continued protections.”
— Andrea Zaccardi, legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity
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What Remains Unclear
It is unclear whether the FWS will formally consider delisting the species in response to Zinke’s proposal or if legislative action will bypass scientific review. The scientific consensus remains that the population has not yet fully recovered to warrant removal from the ESA.
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What’s Next
The FWS is expected to review the current scientific data and legal considerations regarding the status of grizzly bears. Legislative proposals may also be introduced in Congress to expedite delisting efforts. Monitoring of recent attacks and public response will influence future policy decisions.
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Key Questions
Could the grizzly bear protections be officially removed soon?
It is uncertain at this stage. The FWS must conduct a scientific review before delisting, but legislative action could bypass this process. Next steps depend on federal agency assessments and congressional decisions.
Are recent bear attacks common or rare?
Bear attacks are extremely rare. Experts note that such incidents are often chance encounters and do not necessarily reflect the overall health or management of the species.
What are the potential impacts of delisting grizzly bears?
If delisted, states would manage the bears, which could lead to increased hunting or habitat management changes. Conservationists warn this might hinder recovery efforts and increase human-wildlife conflicts.
What safety measures can visitors take in bear country?
Experts recommend traveling in groups of four or more, making noise to alert bears of your presence, and carrying bear spray to reduce the risk of attack.
