Jackson meeting set to consider grizzly bear de-listing regulation

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department has prepared draft regulations to ensure that the grizzly bear population remains recovered if the species is removed from endangered species protection.

The agency will hold a public meeting on the proposed grizzly bear regulation Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Virginian Lodge in Jackson.

Part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s proposed rules for removing grizzly bears from the endangered species list in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho is a requirement that the states put several hunting regulations in place before de-listing can occur.

If the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission institutes a hunting season for grizzly bears after de-listing, the proposed regulations would set up several provisions, including those required in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s draft de-listing rule.

Wyoming will consider whether hunting of grizzlies will be allowed in the state after the bears are removed from the endangered species list and management is returned to the state.

“The purpose of the meeting is to present information on this proposed regulation to the public and receive their feedback,” said Wyoming Game and Fish Large Carnivore Supervisor Dan Thompson.

Individuals interested in commenting on the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission’s Grizzly Bear Management Regulation (Chapter 67) can provide written input through mail or online by June 29 at 5:00pm.

The public will also have opportunity to provide comment at the July Game and Fish Commission meeting where Chapter 67 and other regulations will be reviewed. That meeting will be held July 7-8 in Pinedale, Wyoming. All written comments will be presented to the Commission for consideration prior to the July meeting.