Endangered and Threatened Species: 12-Month Finding for the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem of the Grizzly Bear in the Lower-48States
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is reviewing whether grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone area should remain protected as an endangered or threatened species. This decision affects how the bears can be hunted, how land around them is developed, and what responsibilities people have when living or working in grizzly territory.
Key Points
- 1The agency is conducting a 12-month review to determine if grizzly bears in the Yellowstone region still need federal protection under the Endangered Species Act
- 2The outcome will decide whether hunting of grizzly bears is allowed and what restrictions apply to development in areas where bears live
- 3People and businesses in the Greater Yellowstone area (parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho) are directly affected by these protections and any changes
- 4This is a proposed rule, meaning the public has the opportunity to submit comments before a final decision is made
- 5The decision could either increase protections, decrease protections, or maintain current protections depending on how the grizzly population is assessed
Impact Assessment
If you are a homeowner or farmer in the Greater Yellowstone area, this means your ability to develop land, manage livestock, and respond to wildlife encounters will be restricted or regulated depending on whether grizzly bears remain federally protected.
Regional
Moderate
Key Dates
January 15, 2025
Regulatory Connections
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.