Successful Grizzly Bear Translocation From MT to WY

A major development regarding wildlife conservation has been announced: the successful translocation of two grizzly bears from the northern continental divide ecosystem in Montana to the greater Yellowstone ecosystem in Wyoming.

This effort was facilitated through a partnership between Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

Grizzly Bear Translocation Details

A sub-adult female and sub-adult male grizzly were captured in northwestern Montana.

Neither of the Bears selected had a history of conflict and will be monitored closely through a GPS collar.

The two Bears were successfully relocated to the greater Yellowstone ecosystem.

This translocation was part of a tri-state memorandum of agreement to ensure grizzly bears and expand their habitat range.

The inner agency grizzly bear study team will monitor the bears closely, following their placement in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem.

Grizzly Bear Conservation

The translocation of these two grizzly Bears addresses concerns that have been raised by the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals regarding genetic diversity in the GYE grizzly bear population.

“Wyoming’s grizzly bear recovery efforts are monumental and expensive. It is frustrating that time and time again, we meet a bar set by the court, only to see the goalposts moved yet again,” Gov. Gordon said. “This week’s effort assures genetic connection can be achieved through active management to address the court’s requirement where a healthy number of grizzlies, and an ever-expanding range have not been sufficiently convincing to the Ninth Circuit.”

In recent years, Montana and Wyoming have pursued legal avenues to delist the grizzly Bears.

Both states believe that these translocation efforts are paving the way for grizzly bear management on a local level, striving for less federal oversight.

“After decades of work, the grizzly bear has more than recovered in the NCDE, which represents a conservation success. I’m proud of our progress with the federal government to delist the grizzly in the NCDE, opening the door to state management of this iconic American species,” Gov. Gianforte said.

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