Montana To Control It’s Grizzly Bear Population? What Does That Mean?

Well, it finally happened.

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And like anything nowadays, there will be those for it and those against it. In case you were unaware, yesterday, former North Dakota Governor and current U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, along with the governors of Idaho, Wyoming and our very own Governor Gianforte got together in Gallatin Country to make a big announcement.

What announcement did they make?

Secretary Burgum announced the proposed plan of allowing states to develop their own plans when it comes to grizzly bears. The grizzly has been protected under federal law since 1975 in the lower 48, and for the last few years, there have been efforts made to change that.

READ MORE: How Montanan are you? Check out this quick quiz. 

Montana has the biggest population of grizzly bears outside of Alaska with an estimated number between 2000 and 2500. According to Burgum, while it's not a full federal delisting, it would allow each state to develop a plan and manage this situation.

Can you hunt grizzly bears in Montana?

While the Burgum plan doesn't mention hunting, it should be noted that each state is now allowed to form their own management plan. Montana's Governor, Greg Gianforte, praised the announcement saying:

Montana grizzly bears are now Montana bears.

What do you think? Is hunting grizzly bears something you would support in the future? What limitations should be considered? Or do you think that they should remain under their current protections? Let us know your thoughts by sending us a message on our app.