I have lived in Montana since 1983 and reside within 300 yards of Glacier National Park. Glacier is a vibrant wilderness (even if not officially classified as such) and supports healthy wildlife populations including the endangered gray wolf, wolverine and grizzly bear.

I am writing to voice my concerns regarding the future of grizzlies. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and affiliated state agencies including Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks are actively promoting the de-listing of grizzly bears from their Endangered Species Status, stating that the bears are now recovered. Many hunters and government officials are drooling over the prospect of protection removal and, at least in Montana, plans are being made to open a sport-hunting season on grizzly bears following such action.

Yes, there are currently viable populations of these bears in and around Glacier and Yellowstone Parks thanks to the ESA and NPS, but few exist elsewhere in the lower 48 states. It is my contention that if there actually are “surplus” grizzlies deemed to exist somewhere, that they not be subjected to the death penalty but should instead be trapped and relocated to existing natural areas that still harbor excellent grizzly habitat. Not a single great bear should be killed outside of a defensive action or safety-related issue whether de-listed or not.

“Recovery” should entail the existence of healthy populations of grizzlies along most of the Continental Divide from New Mexico into Canada, as well as within additional appropriate areas in Idaho, Washington, Wyoming and Montana.

I hope concerned citizens in Montana make their voices heard and fight for this magnificent animal. Grizzly bears add a critical element to the true character of wilderness and nature in general, and require and deserve continued protection. Without that, true recovery will never occur.

Petrillo is a resident of Essex