The delisting of Yellowstone grizzly bears is a conservation success, and we are proud of the role that the states and local communities have played in grizzly bear conservation. A team of federal and state scientists has monitored and researched the Greater Yellowstone population for a long time, and their efforts have documented a robust and viable population for well over a decade.
People are already asking about hunting. The decision about whether there’s going to be limited grizzly hunting in Idaho is one for down the road, and that decision would rely on recommendations of Fish and Game’s professional wildlife managers, coordination with our neighboring states, and public discussion.
We’ve given careful thought to management of the Yellowstone grizzly population after delisting. Idaho, Wyoming and Montana have agreements in place for continued coordination, along with federal land managers, to ensure we manage bears responsibly and sustainably.