Wyoming Approves Fall Hunt of Grizzly Bears Near Yellowstone and Grand Teton

LANDER, WYOMING – In a unanimous vote, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission approved its proposal to allow hunting this fall of 23 Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly bears. Grizzly bears including those that make their homes in and around Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks will be at risk from hunting this fall, for the first time in more than 40 years.

The grizzly hunt is in response to the removal of federal protections for Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzlies. The removal was finalized in July of 2017 and prompted lawsuits by National Parks Conservation Association and tribal and conservation groups, for the final rule’s failure to ensure the Yellowstone bears’ long-term health.

Statement by Bart Melton, Northern Rockies Regional Director for National Parks Conservation Association

“The Wyoming Game and Fish Commission has ignored concerns raised by Wyoming residents and national park supporters across the country by approving its destructive grizzly hunting plan. For the first time in decades, 23 Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly bears including females will be hunted this fall on lands neighboring Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

“Visitors to Yellowstone and Grand Teton this summer may be among the last to experience the joy of seeing some of these incredible animals alive in our national parks. The grizzly bears that have gained international fame through the stories and photographs of park visitors regularly leave park borders and will be among those at risk this fall.

“National Parks Conservation Association was joined by nearly 40,0000 national park wildlife supporters who urged Governor Mead to stop the proposal for the first grizzly hunt since 1975. This hunt follows a flawed removal of federal protections for the great bears that we fear will result in fewer bear sightings by visitors and increased risk for future of this species that was not so long ago at the brink of extinction.”

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About National Parks Conservation Association Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its 1.3 million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.