Grizzly Bears Could Soon Be reintroduced to The Bitterroot Region of Idaho and Montana

THINK

Jan 25

Following a lawsuit, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released a notice of intent to complete a new environmental impact statement for the reintroduction of the threatened grizzly bear to the Bitterroot Ecosystem by the end of 2026.

In an effort to restore a breeding population of a threatened species, the federal government is considering the reintroduction of grizzly bears into the remote Bitterroot-Selway region of Montana and Idaho.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW) announced plans to prepare a new environmental impact statement to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of restoring the grizzly bear in this area by 2026.

Over two decades ago, the USFW prepared to reintroduce grizzlies to this region. Still, the process was halted, until now, when a lawsuit filed by the Alliance for the Wild Rockies and Native Ecosystems Council ordered officials to move forward with preparations.

What Could the Process Look Like?

The Environmental Impact Statement analysis process will involve soliciting and addressing public comments, while also incorporating scientific expertise from grizzly bear specialists, according to Defenders of Wildlife.

Proposed approaches could involve the transportation of bears to the area, as well as facilitating the natural movement of bears into the region, in part by strengthening wildlife corridors between Idaho and areas with active grizzly bear populations.

“Grizzly bears historically thrived in the Bitterroots, but due to eradication efforts, they were largely extirpated by the 1930s,” said Erin Edge, senior representative of Defenders of Wildlife. “A lot has changed in the last 20 years since the previous Record of Decision, including increased human development in historic grizzly bear habitat. There is much to be done to ensure successful grizzly bear recovery efforts, especially at a time when grizzlies are showing back up in the area on their own.”

Restoring Grizzles to their Natural Habitat

Situated along the western border of Montana and Idaho, the Bitterroot Ecosystem encompasses one of the largest wilderness areas in the Rocky Mountains south of Canada. Historically, it was home to thousands of grizzly bears until they were wiped out in the area by the mid-1900s.

The Bitterroot Ecosystem was first identified as one of six grizzly bear recovery zones in the lower 48 states 31 years ago. Despite delayed progress in restoring the species to this area, grizzlies have naturally been moving back into the Bitterroots on their own.

“We hope to see grizzly bears once again thriving in the Bitterroots, as well as interconnected ecosystems across the landscape,” said Edge. “We will carefully review the FWS proposals to make sure they include protections for grizzly bears that will allow that vision to be successful.”

“We will also continue to invest in on-the-ground projects that work towards empowering communities to prevent and minimize human-bear conflicts and increase awareness about grizzly bears in the region,” he added.

Take Action

The USFWS is asking for public comment on the situation for the next 60 days. Public meetings with virtual access will occur on Feb. 5 at 6 p.m. MST, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. MST, and Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. MST.

Grizzly bears are at risk of being removed from the Endangered Species List in Wyoming and Montana. Please add your name to our petition, urging the USFW to reject this from happening.

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