In an ongoing effort to support the genetic health of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) grizzly bear population, two young grizzly bears were recently translocated from the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE) in northwest Montana. This initiative, coordinated by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) in collaboration with the Wyoming Game & Fish Department and the National Park Service, aims to introduce new genetic material to the isolated GYE grizzly population.
The bears, a 3- to 4-year-old female and a 4- to 5-year-old male, were carefully selected based on their age, health, and lack of conflict history with humans. The female was released west of Dubois, Wyoming, while the male was released in the southern end of Yellowstone National Park. Both bears are equipped with GPS collars for ongoing monitoring by biologists.
This translocation is part of a broader effort to ensure the long-term viability of grizzly bear populations in the region. The introduction of new genetic material is expected to enhance the genetic diversity of the GYE population, which has been geographically isolated from other grizzly bear populations in the region.
Montana and Wyoming have met the requirements for delisting grizzly bears from the Endangered Species Act in their respective ecosystems. Both states continue to focus on conflict prevention, research, monitoring, and public education as part of their grizzly bear management plans.
The success of this translocation effort is seen as a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to sustain healthy grizzly bear populations across the region.
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