Wildlife Advocates Raise Concerns Over New Federal Proposal Affecting Grizzly Bear Protections In The United States
A newly proposed federal rule is raising concerns among wildlife advocates, who say expanding state management authority over grizzly bears could have significant implications for the species’ long-term recovery.
Although the proposal would not remove the grizzly bear’s threatened status under the Endangered Species Act, many wildlife advocates say it raises important questions about how the species will be conserved in the future. Grizzly bears continue to face habitat fragmentation, increasing human-wildlife conflict, and genetic isolation.
According to Defenders of Wildlife, grizzly bears were hunted to near extinction during the 19th century and were reduced to just 2% of their original range before receiving protection under the Endangered Species Act in 1975. While conservation efforts have helped the population slowly recover to an estimated 1,900 grizzly bears in the western United States, Defenders of Wildlife emphasizes the need to maintain adequate protections as recovery efforts continue.
Jake Li, Vice President of Conservation Policy at Defenders of Wildlife, said:
“As the grizzly bear population has grown, the Service must carefully balance adequate protections for the species with flexibility to manage human-bear conflicts. The proposed 4(d) rule purports to do that but punts on important details, such that the real-world impacts of the proposal are in large part determined by later agreements that will be developed outside the rulemaking process.
“For example, it does not explain important details of how the Service will determine whether additional management flexibility is warranted. It also gives the Service room to let states maintain management control even if they are not meeting required conditions. Defenders continues to review this complex proposal with a thoughtful and open mind, and will be submitting comments on this new proposal.”
Although grizzly bear numbers have increased in parts of the Northern Rockies since the species was listed as threatened in 1975, conservationists note that the bears still occupy only a fraction of their historic range and that long-term recovery depends on maintaining healthy, connected populations across suitable habitat.
WAN and Peace 4 Animals believe America’s grizzly bears deserve the strongest possible protections. As one of North America’s most iconic species, grizzlies continue to face growing pressures from habitat loss, expanding development, and increasing human-wildlife conflict. Decisions affecting their future should prioritize recovery, safeguard connected habitat, and ensure these magnificent animals continue to thrive for generations to come.
The proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on July 17, 2026. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is accepting public comments through August 17, 2026. Members of the public can submit comments through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at Regulations.gov.
