Staff Reports
The grizzly bears of Montana are in the spotlight once again, as the Biden administration faces criticism for neglecting the successful conservation efforts that brought the population back from the brink of extinction 22 years ago. Republican Senator Steve Daines of Montana raised concerns about the administration’s refusal to acknowledge the bear population’s healthy recovery during a recent hearing with Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.
Senator Daines pointed out that the grizzly bear population in Montana exceeds the target numbers set for their recovery, with the actual numbers surpassing the desired levels in both the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem. He emphasized the need for effective management of the bear population due to their significant impact on the environment and local communities.
However, Secretary Haaland’s response did little to reassure the senator and others in Montana who are advocating for the bears’ delisting and returning management to the state. She expressed uncertainty about the bears’ recovery status and deferred to scientists for a definitive answer, despite holding a leadership position in the Department of the Interior.
Senator Daines highlighted the gravity of the issue by reminding Secretary Haaland of her responsibility as the head of the Department of the Interior, emphasizing the need for informed decision-making to ensure the well-being of both the grizzly bears and the people of Montana.
The exchange between Senator Daines and Secretary Haaland underscores the ongoing debate over the management and conservation of grizzly bears in Montana, with Republicans advocating for a return of management to the state level to ensure a balanced approach that prioritizes both conservation and the interests of local communities.
