A Win For Wildlife! Grizzly Bears Remain Protected Under The Endangered Species Act

In a victory for wildlife conservation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has announced its decision to maintain Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections for grizzly bears. The decision comes after thorough scientific analysis and extensive collaboration with state, tribal, and conservation partners. It ensures that grizzly bears, one of North America’s most iconic species, will continue to receive vital protections as they face ongoing threats to their survival.

This announcement has been met with praise from conservation advocates and policymakers alike. U.S. House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) and Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) both issued statements applauding the agency’s choice to base its decision on sound science and diverse stakeholder input.

Unfortunately, the agency also introduced a proposed rule that would relax restrictions on when grizzly bears can be killed. Additionally, the proposal establishes boundaries that limit where grizzly bears receive federal protections, excluding areas such as California and Colorado—regions where the bears once thrived and where suitable habitat still exists.

“The science is clear — we need strong protections for grizzly bears,” said Ranking Member Huffman. “The compounding threats of climate change and politically motivated state policies have the potential to decimate grizzly bear populations and dramatically impact their habitats. I’m glad the Fish and Wildlife Service understands these threats, has listened to stakeholders and scientists, and decided to maintain Endangered Species Act protections for this iconic species. I will continue to work with FWS over the coming comment period to determine whether any additional updates or revisions to the accompanying proposed rules are needed to ensure grizzlies are successfully recovered.”

“Biologists estimated that around 100,000 grizzly bears once roamed western North America, but human encroachment and other threats have pushed this population to the edge of extinction,” said Senator Booker. “I commend the FWS for their decision to maintain Endangered Species Act protections for grizzly bears, and ultimately listening to the scientists and the local community. I will continue to advocate for science-based recovery plans and policies that ensure grizzly bears and other endangered species have the space and safety they need to recover their populations and thrive in spite of a warming climate, habitat loss, and other challenges.”

For now, this decision ends an effort by Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming to strip grizzly bears of federal protections.

Grizzly bears, once widespread across the United States, now inhabit only a small portion of their original range. Despite ongoing and significant recovery efforts, the species remains at risk. By maintaining protections under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is playing a crucial role in facilitating the grizzlies’ journey toward recovery, while also protecting the vital ecosystems they depend on.

This decision is not just a win for grizzly bears but also for the broader efforts to preserve biodiversity and protect America’s wild heritage. Maintaining protections for these critical species highlights the importance of science-based conservation policies in addressing the challenges faced by wildlife in a rapidly changing world.