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Hunters soon could be chasing grizzly bears across the ridges of the Rocky Mountains, leaving three states to come up with plans to ensure the iconic species won't be snuffed out so soon after recovering from threats to their survival.
The Obama administration in March proposed lifting protections for the more than 700 grizzlies around Yellowstone National Park. The bears have been considered a threatened species since 1975, but wildlife officials say their population has sufficiently recovered to turn over management to Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.
Other grizzly populations in Montana, Idaho and Washington state will remain protected. The grizzlies' Alaska cousin, the brown bear, is not considered a threatened or endangered species and is hunted regularly.
Yay, more unchewably tough meat! On the other hand, as a top predator its recovery does endorse conservation efforts over the past half-century.
(Score: 2) by hemocyanin on Saturday May 14 2016, @07:14PM
Grizzlies in Wyoming don't mate with those in Alaska, and over time they become distinct. Like salmon from different rivers.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Sunday May 15 2016, @05:05PM
Duly noted. I'm sure those scientists will turn on a dime when they're informed of ... wait. Hold the phone; I think they already know.
Grizzlies range, especially under population and food pressure. The Yellowstone grizzly population is a source for the surrounding area, and in actual fact has been for quite a while. Granted that Wyoming grizzlies don't have a sperm donation plan with a worldwide reach, there's also not an entirely closed system either.
If you are desperately concerned about the inevitable closing of the genetic door, then arrange for some cross breeding. We've done it with lots of other animals, it's not a secret any more.