Grizzly Traps

"Trust the science" is probably not something anyone wants to hear right now, especially since we have been hearing it for the past few years with mixed or confusing results. However, "trust the science" when dealing with large mammals like grizzly bears could mean bringing a species back from the edge. This is not meant in a horror movie "release the bears to wreak havoc on the masses" sense but, more in a "stabilize the population and study their habits" sense. Grizzly bears are being trapped in parts of Yellowstone National Park in order to collect "key population parameters" in order to better understand the decline and subsequent increase in the grizzly bear population we are seeing today.

Grizzly bears were previously on the endangered species list with an estimated 250 bears existing within Yellowstone National Park, but recently that number has been estimated to be closer to 700 bears, if not more. So, instead of being listed as endangered they are now listed as a threatened species. That still means that they cannot be hunted, but the rules are less stiff and the punishment for killing one is not as bad as compared to killing an animal on the endangered species list.

Do not be fooled; that does not mean mess with the bears. In fact, there have been cases where people have done jail time for approaching grizzly bear cubs in Yellowstone National Park. It was not considered a local state offense, but a federal offense, which will make job hunting for that person a lot more difficult if they are out of work or were fired from their job as a result. So, think before you approach or poach. Especially since the likelihood of seeing a grizzly bear or cubs is higher since the population has been estimated to have more than doubled.

The increase is not unique to Yellowstone but to all places where grizzly bears might call home. To be clear, the grizzly bear is native to North America with a majority of the population split between Alaska and Canada. Grizzly bears used to be more widely spread with their population being seen as far as Colorado, California, and Arizona, but unfortunately due to over hunting they were completely wiped out of those habitats where they were previously found in abundance. Despite being a large predator, grizzly bears are omnivores and in addition to eating animals such as trout, elk, deer, and moose they have also been observed to consume pine nuts, berries, and tubers.

What has driven grizzly bears towards extinction? It appears to be due to overhunting combined with habitat destruction. Hence, scientists are interested in understanding the conditions that led to the population increase that is currently being observed. In this particular situation, data could mean better understanding the driver behind the population increase and replicating those conditions such that the grizzly bear population stabilizes and can be reintroduced in areas where they are now extinct. Knowledge is power and so is the data used to back it up!

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