NE Wyoming News

Representative Harriet Hageman has criticized the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) for its decision not to delist the grizzly bear populations in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) and Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE). Instead of delisting, the FWS proposed a single Distinct Population Segment (DPS) that includes all six recovery zones, even those outside the GYE.

Hageman stated, "The GYE grizzly population far exceeds the long-standing recovery goals as set by the Fish and Wildlife Service itself." She expressed concern that agency officials are prioritizing politics over science by altering their recovery policies. She noted that Deputy Director Stephen Guertin had promised an answer on Wyoming's delisting petition by July, but only now was a response provided.

The FWS's refusal to delist Wyoming's grizzly bears has been criticized as it contradicts both historical recovery goals and Wyoming's management plan. The representative accused the agency of ignoring scientific data and legal obligations. "The fact that they are willing to ignore both the law and the science speaks volumes as to their real agenda—which isn’t to recover endangered or threatened species but to control land use and resource development," Hageman added.

Hageman plans to reintroduce legislation aimed at federally delisting grizzly bears this week. Since 1975, GYE grizzlies have been classified as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act with an initial goal of 500 bears. Currently, there are over 1,100 bears in this population. Despite these numbers, FWS continues delaying delisting actions.

Hageman believes consolidating six recovery zones into one DPS undermines progress made in managing wildlife effectively at state levels. She pointed out increasing incidents involving grizzly attacks on livestock and people across Wyoming due to overpopulation concerns.

###