Defenders Statement on Grizzly Bear Delisting Status Decision

WASHINGTON, DC — The US Fish & Wildlife Service today determined there is not a basis to delist grizzly bears in the Northern Continental Divide (NCDE) and Greater Yellowstone (GYE) ecosystems.

Mike Senatore, Senior Vice President of Conservation Programs for Defenders of Wildlife, released the following statement:

“The NCDE and GYE grizzly bear populations have both come a long way since their listing in 1975, but both have farther to go. Defenders is pleased that this species remains listed under the ESA, and that USFWS is cognizant of the work that still needs to be done to ensure resilient, connected grizzly bear populations into the future. As with all decisions of this nature, however, the devils are in the details, and we look forward to examining them closely.”