Robust population growth, coupled with state and federal efforts, widespread public support and development of adequate regulatory mechanisms have brought about recovery for the grizzly bears in this area. Four other grizzly populations in the lower 48 states have not yet recovered and will continue to be protected as threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.
Public comments will be accepted until close of business on March 20 and may be sent to: Grizzly Bear Recovery Coordinator, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, University Hall 309, University of Montana, Missoula, MT59812. Comments may also be delivered to the same office or e-mailed to: FW6_grizzly_yellowstone@fws.gov.
Scientists consider the grizzlies in the Greater Yellowstone Area to be a distinct population segment, separate from and with no evidence of interaction with other populations in the lower 48 states and Canada.
The core of the proposed Yellowstone distinct population segment is the Yellowstone Recovery Zone, which is approximately 9,200 square miles. It includes Yellowstone National Park, a portion of Grand Teton National Park, John D. Rockefeller Memorial Parkway as well as sizable contiguous portions of the Shoshone, Bridger-Teton, Targhee, Gallatin, Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Custer national forests; BLM lands and surrounding state and private lands.
More than 600 grizzlies now inhabit the Yellowstone ecosystem.
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