Delisting delay harms integrity of ESA

In an impressive show of conservation and interstate cooperation, two sub-adult grizzlies captured in Northwest Montana were relocated to Wyoming last week in a long-planned effort to shore up the species genetic diversity in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. 

Wildlife experts say that the Yellowstone grizzly population, which is mostly isolated in the region, will benefit by establishing gene flow between the two ecosystems as the bears’ established ranges get closer. 

The grizzlies, a male and female, were trapped in a remote area near the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. They did not have a history of human interactions, which officials said would better ensure a successful relocation. 

One of the bears was released near Yellowstone Lake, and the other in the Blackrock Canyon. They are collared and will be monitored as they move about their new Wyoming range. 

The collaborative effort was just the latest example from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks that the state is dedicated to and capable of maintaining a strong grizzly bear population in Montana. 

“With these two bears on the ground in the [Greater Yellowstone], we see the culmination of a tremendous amount of effort at ensuring Montana has done all we’ve been asked to do to ensure these recovered populations persist into the future ...” said Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Director Dustin Temple. “We’re ready to take over grizzly bear management of recovered populations in Montana.” 

Yet, despite hitting key recovery goals, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has punted on delisting Montana and Wyoming’s grizzlies for the last year and a half, and now says it won’t make a final decision until the beginning of next year.  

Gov. Greg Gianforte last week rightly questioned the federal agency about why it’s slow walking the process that should have wrapped up months ago. 

“If the U.S. [Fish and] Wildlife Service looked at the facts and the scientific data, these animals would be delisted today,” Gianforte said. “I don’t know what their agenda is, but they need to do their job.” 

The Endangered Species Act is a critical recovery tool for animals on the brink and the grizzly bear is the poster child for ESA success stories in the Lower 48. Without those federal protections the Montana population would not be as robust as it is today — now estimated at 2,100 bears. 

For the Fish and Wildlife Service to stymie the delisting process — letting environmental groups take advantage of the bears’ threatened status — only harms the integrity of the historic act. It’s also a disservice to the hundreds of truly endangered species that actually need the federal protections.

Montana has been working on a grizzly management document since 2022 that includes ample input taken from various stakeholders. The state is ready to assume management.  

It’s time for the federal government to step aside and return grizzlies to local control.