Public Comment Open: Stop the Expansion of State Control Over Grizzly Bears

🐻 Public Comment Open Until August 17, 2026

Grizzlies Are Not Recovered. Stop Expanded State Management.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is accepting public comments on a proposed rule that would expand state authority over federally protected grizzly bears while they remain listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act.

Download the Revised 4(d) Rule (PDF)

This proposal would give qualifying states broader authority to manage “conflict” grizzly bears while reducing case-by-case federal review. We believe this moves grizzly conservation in the wrong direction.

Grizzly bears still occupy only a small fraction of their historic range in the lower 48 states. True recovery depends on reconnecting isolated populations, protecting secure habitat, and investing in coexistence—not expanding state authority to lethally manage bears before recovery is complete.

As climate change alters food availability, wildfire patterns, drought, and habitat conditions across the West, explorer bears will become increasingly important as they seek new territory and food resources. These bears are essential for maintaining healthy, genetically connected populations that can adapt to a changing landscape.

The Tetonia mother grizzly and her cubs should have been a wake-up call. Instead of strengthening federal oversight after that tragedy, this proposal would give states broader authority to lethally manage federally protected grizzly bears while reducing federal review of those decisions. We should be investing in proven conflict prevention measures not making it easier to kill bears that remain protected under the Endangered Species Act.

📝 Submit Your Public Comment

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will accept public comments through August 17, 2026.

Online comments must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on August 17, 2026.
Mailed comments must be postmarked on or before August 17, 2026.

👉 Submit Your Comment Here >>
https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/FWS-R6-ES-2024-0186-76185

Suggested Talking Points

Please use your own words whenever possible. Personalized comments are generally more effective than identical form letters.

Grizzly Bears Are Not Recovered
Grizzly bears still occupy only a small fraction of their historic range in the lower 48 states. Recovery is not complete.

Recovery Depends on Connectivity
Explorer bears are essential for reconnecting Yellowstone, the Northern Continental Divide, the Bitterroot, the Selkirks, the Cabinet-Yaak, and future recovery areas.

As climate change changes food availability and habitat conditions, these bears will become even more important for helping grizzly populations adapt and remain genetically connected. They should be protected not placed at greater risk.

Climate Change Makes Connectivity More Important
Climate change is changing the landscapes grizzly bears depend on. Federal management should protect habitat connectivity that allows bears to naturally move into suitable new areas instead of increasing the likelihood of lethal removal.

Prioritize Conflict Prevention
Conflict prevention should always come before lethal removal. The Fish and Wildlife Service should require proven nonlethal measures before authorizing the killing of federally protected grizzly bears.

Keep Strong Federal Oversight
While grizzly bears remain protected under the Endangered Species Act, the federal government should retain strong oversight of lethal management decisions rather than shifting greater authority to the states.

Learn From the Tetonia Tragedy
The Tetonia mother grizzly and her cubs demonstrated why stronger accountability is needed not less. The Service should strengthen federal oversight and emphasize prevention instead of expanding state authority over lethal management.

Support Bear Smart Communities
Invest in Bear Smart Communities by expanding the use of bear-resistant trash containers, secure food storage, attractant management, community education, and other proven measures that prevent conflicts before they occur.

Promote Bear Spray
Encourage hunters, outfitters, anglers, hikers, and all backcountry recreationists traveling through grizzly habitat to carry and know how to use bear spray. Bear spray is one of the most effective tools for preventing serious injuries to both people and bears.

Invest in Coexistence
Expand funding for electric fencing, bear-resistant trash containers, carcass removal, range riders, livestock conflict prevention, food storage requirements, and public education. Preventing conflicts protects both people and grizzly bears.

Include Tribal Leadership
Native American Tribes have lived alongside grizzly bears for thousands of years and should play a central role in grizzly conservation and management. Traditional ecological knowledge deserves equal consideration alongside western science.

Complete Recovery Before Expanding State Authority
The Endangered Species Act was enacted to recover imperiled species until federal protections are no longer needed. The focus should remain on restoring connected grizzly populations across suitable habitat before expanding state management authority.

Tell the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Tell the Fish and Wildlife Service to:

• Keep strong federal oversight of grizzly bear management.
• Prioritize conflict prevention over lethal removal.
• Invest in Bear Smart Communities and coexistence programs.
• Protect explorer bears that reconnect isolated populations.
• Recognize climate change as a growing challenge for grizzly recovery and protect the habitat connectivity bears need to adapt.
• Complete grizzly bear recovery before expanding state management authority.
• Include the voices of Tribal Leadership

Every comment matters.

Please submit your comment before Monday, August 17, 2026, and help ensure that grizzly bears remain protected for future generations.

👉 Submit Your Comment Here >>
https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/FWS-R6-ES-2024-0186-76185

The Griz Abides. Can We?