TL;DR
After two fatal and serious bear attacks in Glacier and Yellowstone, Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke has called for removing federal protections for grizzly bears. Experts criticize this move, citing the species’ recovery and low attack rates.
Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke has called for the removal of federal protections for grizzly bears following two recent attacks in national parks that resulted in one death and two injuries.
On May 3, a 33-year-old hiker was killed by a grizzly bear in Glacier National Park, marking the first fatal attack there since 1998. The next day, in Yellowstone National Park, two brothers aged 14 and 28 were seriously injured after being attacked by a grizzly near Old Faithful. In response, Zinke posted on social media on May 12, urging the federal government to delist the species, claiming that the bear populations have recovered beyond sustainable levels.
Zinke’s proposal has been met with criticism from wildlife conservation experts. Chris Servheen, a former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grizzly recovery coordinator, stated that Zinke’s comments are misleading and that human-bear interactions are chance events unrelated to the species’ protected status. Servheen emphasized that both attacks occurred on federal land where state management does not apply and that the species’ population has significantly recovered since the 1970s, growing from about 700 to nearly 2,000 bears.
Why It Matters
This development is significant because it challenges current conservation policies and raises questions about how best to balance species recovery with public safety. The move to delist could influence future management strategies and funding, potentially affecting the species’ long-term survival and human-wildlife coexistence.
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Background
Grizzly bears have been protected under the Endangered Species Act since 1975, with the population gradually increasing over the decades. In 2025, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service stated that the best available science supports the continued listing. Recent attacks have reignited debates about the species’ status and management, with some political figures advocating for state control to mitigate perceived threats.
“These interactions are chance events that would occur whether the grizzly was managed by state authorities or not.”
— Chris Servheen, former FWS grizzly bear recovery coordinator
“Saying delisting is necessary because there have been two attacks recently is extremely misleading and ignores basic science.”
— Andrea Zaccardi, legal director of the Center for Biological Diversity’s Carnivore Conservation program
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What Remains Unclear
It remains unclear whether the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will move forward with a scientific review to delist the species or if Congress will intervene legislatively. The political and legal processes required for delisting are still unfolding, and the impact of recent attacks on these decisions is uncertain.
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What’s Next
The FWS is expected to conduct a scientific review of the grizzly population’s status. Legislation to potentially override protections could be introduced in Congress, but no definitive action has been announced yet. Public and expert opinions are likely to influence the outcome.
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Key Questions
Could the grizzly bear be delisted soon?
It is not yet clear. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would need to conduct a scientific review, and legislative action could also be involved. No official decision has been announced.
Do recent attacks justify removing protections?
Experts argue that attacks are rare and often due to chance encounters. Conservationists say existing protections have successfully recovered the population and that delisting based on recent attacks is misleading.
What measures can prevent future attacks?
Taking safety steps such as traveling in groups, making noise, and carrying bear spray can reduce risks. Experts emphasize that human behavior is key to preventing conflicts.
