Montana FWP releases tool to track grizzly bear mortality. This online tool is aimed at providing real-time transparency regarding grizzly bear deaths across Montana, excluding Tribal lands. This dashboard not only tracks the number of grizzly bear mortalities but also details the reasons behind these deaths, contributing to a broader understanding of grizzly bear management and conservation efforts in the state.
The dashboard serves as an educational and informational platform intended to increase public awareness about grizzly bear mortality, especially in the context of human-bear interactions. Updates are provided daily at 1:00 PM, with data resetting annually in January, although historical data can still be accessed through FWP’s Grizzly Bear Management webpage.
Montana hosts approximately 2,000 grizzly bears across four recovery zones: the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem, Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Bitterroot Ecosystem, and Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem.
This population estimate underscores the significance of tracking bear mortality, especially as discussions around delisting grizzly bears from Endangered Species Act protections continue.
By launching this dashboard, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks aims to demonstrate readiness for managing grizzly bear populations independently from federal oversight, should the bears be delisted.
This move towards transparency is also part of Montana’s strategy to address previous court rulings on grizzly bear management by showing preparedness and capability in bear conservation.
As of recent updates, the dashboard indicates that there have been 22 to 23 human-caused grizzly bear deaths this year, reflecting the challenges in coexistence between humans and wildlife, particularly in areas where urban expansion meets wilderness.
While the dashboard provides factual data, public sentiment varies. Some express concern over the implications of such data for bear conservation, while others highlight instances of bear-human conflicts, showcasing the complex relationship between these powerful animals and human populations.
The introduction of the Grizzly Bear Mortality Dashboard by FWP represents a significant step towards open governance in wildlife management, encouraging public engagement in conservation efforts while providing crucial data for policy-making decisions regarding grizzly bear delisting and management strategies.
To learn more about the Montana FWP tool – visit FWP’s Grizzly Bear Management webpage.
