Historic Bill Introduced To Protect America’s Gray Wolves, Grizzly Bears & Bison

In a groundbreaking move to safeguard key wildlife species and strengthen Indigenous land stewardship, U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) have introduced the Tribal Heritage and American Bison, Grizzly Bear, and Wolf Restoration and Coexistence Act.

The landmark legislation seeks to establish permanent federal protections for American bison, grizzly bears, and gray wolves, while expanding recovery and coexistence measures for these ecologically and culturally significant species. The bill also seeks to expand recovery efforts and promote coexistence between humans and these vital species, while enhancing tribal management authority. By forming oversight committees that collaborate directly with Indigenous tribes, the legislation supports tribal-led reintroduction efforts on tribal lands.

“Bison, grizzly bears, and wolves hold significant spiritual, cultural, and ecological value to many tribal communities and our nation. I’m proud to introduce this legislation with Senator Booker to enshrine protections for these species and ensure that conservation and management are conducted in close consultation with Tribal Nations,” said Ranking Member Grijalva.

“For centuries, the United States’ policies have systematically failed to honor our treaties, harming Tribal Nations and resulting in significant cultural losses and ecological damage” continued Grijalva. “Congress has a trust responsibility to move forward from past injustices and craft policies for the future that are based on respect and recognition of Tribal Nations’ leadership in recovering these iconic species and their habitats.”

Bison, grizzlies, and wolves once roamed vast stretches of the American landscape. Sadly, during the 19th and 20th centuries, these iconic species were driven to near extinction across much of their historic range due to relentless hunting. Their disappearance not only decimated their populations but also caused profound disruptions to the ecosystems they helped sustain. Restoring these animals to their natural habitats is essential for reviving the health and balance of these environments.

The 1995 reintroduction of gray wolves in Yellowstone National Park stands as a powerful example of the positive impact such efforts can have. The wolves helped control elk and deer populations, reducing overgrazing and allowing native vegetation to recover. This restoration of ecological balance brought renewed vitality to the Yellowstone ecosystem and resulted in an annual average of $80 million in ecotourism revenue for the region. Bison and grizzly bears, too, play essential roles in their ecosystems—bison by aerating the soil and dispersing seeds through their grazing, and grizzlies by regulating prey populations to prevent overgrazing. Protecting these species not only benefits the environment but also supports local economies.

“American bison, grizzly bears, and gray wolves are iconic American species and are timeless symbols of our nation’s heritage, yet these animals were driven to the brink of extinction,” said Senator Booker. “Building on the success of past conservation legislation like the American Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, I am proud to introduce legislation that directs the Secretary of the Interior to work closely with Indigenous communities to ensure permanent protection for these animals.”

The Tribal Heritage and American Bison, Grizzly Bear, and Wolf Restoration and Coexistence Act proposes several key measures. It would prohibit the take, possession, purchase, sale, or transport of these species, with exceptions for captive-bred bison raised for human consumption, as well as permits issued for scientific or conservation purposes. It would also exempt federally recognized tribes from these restrictions when it comes to religious, cultural, or treaty-reserved purposes. Violations of the act would be met with civil and criminal penalties, ensuring robust enforcement.

Additionally, the bill mandates consultation with tribes before any action is taken that may impact the habitat or survival of these species on tribal lands. Federally recognized tribes, in partnership with the Secretary of the Interior, would be given the authority to manage reintroduced populations on tribal lands. This aspect of the legislation acknowledges the central role Indigenous peoples have historically played in stewarding these species and offers a pathway for them to continue doing so.

By integrating federal protections with tribal leadership, this legislation offers a collaborative approach to wildlife conservation. It not only aims to restore ecological balance but also seeks to honor the deep cultural connections that Indigenous communities have with these animals. The Tribal Heritage and American Bison, Grizzly Bear, and Wolf Restoration and Coexistence Act represents a vital step in protecting these species, revitalizing ecosystems, and reinforcing the sovereignty and stewardship of Native American tribes.