Once abundant across the American West, grizzly bears were reduced to just a few hundred animals by the early 1900s due to hunting, habitat loss, and conflicts with humans.
But thanks to efforts by the U.S. government and its partners, grizzly populations are making a comeback in several western states.
States with U.S. Government Grizzly Bear Recovery Efforts
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is leading grizzly bear recovery efforts in the following states:
Montana
Grizzly bears are found in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem and the Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem. Montana is home to the second largest grizzly population in the lower 48 states, with an estimated 1,800 to 2,000 bears.
STOP BUYING GREENS: This Machine Grows $1000s Worth Automatically
✓ Set It & Forget It: Fully Automated Growing
✓ From Seed to Harvest in Days - No Experience Needed
✓ Grow Premium Microgreens Worth $50/lb Year-Round
Note: This is an affiliate link and we may earn a small commission if you purchase at no additional cost. This helps keep our website free to use.
Wyoming
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, largely located in Wyoming, has seen the grizzly population grow from 136 bears in 1975 to around 730 today, with about 600 of those bears residing in Wyoming. (ref)
Idaho
There are an estimated 70-100 grizzly bears in the northern and eastern parts of Idaho. Grizzlies are found in the Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem, Selkirk Ecosystem, and parts of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem that extend into Idaho.
Washington
The North Cascades Ecosystem in northern Washington is home to a small grizzly population estimated at fewer than 20 bears. There are ongoing efforts to augment this population. (ref)
In addition to these states, a very small number of grizzly bears may occasionally be found in the Bitterroot Ecosystem of central Idaho and western Montana, although there is not an established population in this area.
Collaborative Efforts to Recover Grizzly Bears
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service leads grizzly bear recovery under the Endangered Species Act, working closely with state wildlife agencies, tribes, and other stakeholders.
Recovery plans for each ecosystem guide the work, setting population targets, outlining habitat protection measures, detailing conflict reduction strategies, and establishing research and monitoring protocols.
Federal funding supports the state agencies and the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team to carry out this important work. For example, in 2015 Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks invested over $2 million into grizzly bear management activities like research, conflict mitigation, and public outreach.
Challenges Surrounding Grizzly Bear Recovery
As grizzly bears have expanded their range, conflicts with people, livestock, and hunters have increased in some areas, leading to higher bear mortality rates.
Ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation due to human development also continues to threaten grizzly recovery. Connecting the isolated populations remains a critical long-term goal.
Efforts to delist the Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide grizzly populations as recovered have faced controversy. Some scientists and advocates argue the populations need to be larger and more resilient before losing ESA protections. (ref)
Hunting of grizzly bears, which would be permitted by states after delisting, is adamantly opposed by many environmental and animal rights groups.
Funding Concerns for Long-term Grizzly Management
Adequate funding for continued grizzly bear management after delisting is another concern, with an estimated $5 million per year needed. However, long-term financial commitments from federal and state agencies are uncertain.
Current Funding Sources
- Federal appropriations to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- State wildlife agency budgets
- Private donations and grants
Estimated Funding Needs Post-delisting
- Population monitoring and research
- Conflict prevention and response
- Habitat conservation and connectivity
- Public outreach and education
Securing reliable funding sources for the long-term will be critical to ensure grizzly bears continue to thrive after they are removed from federal protection.
The Future of Grizzlies in the West
Grizzly bears are likely to keep expanding their range and numbers as they recolonize more of their historic habitat in the West.
However, population growth may slow as bears reach the carrying capacity of core habitats. Reducing conflicts through public education, securing attractants, and quickly dealing with problem bears will be increasingly critical as bears and humans overlap more.
Ensuring the large Northern Rockies populations are connected genetically and allowing bears to disperse naturally to new areas are important for the species’ long-term health and resilience.
With sustained management efforts and public support, grizzly bears can remain an iconic part of the American West, but it will require ongoing vigilance and active stewardship.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.