Grizzly Numbers Steady

Grizzly bear researchers say the number of bears in and around Yellowstone National Park is holding steady.
Biologist Frank van Manen with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team said yesterday there are an estimated 718 bears in the region that includes portions of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. The figure is up slightly from last year’s tally of 695, but Van Manen says it shouldn’t be considered an increase because of uncertainties around the study team’s estimates.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed Yellowstone grizzlies from the threatened species list in July, turning over management of the animals to states, and state wildlife officials are beginning to discuss the first public hunts for the animals in decades. A meeting was held yesterday evening at the Holiday Inn in Cody to discuss bear management with the public.
Wildlife advocates and American Indian tribes have sued to restore protections.