Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials are seeking approval from the state Fish and Wildlife Commission to move forward with the process of making administrative rules that address management of grizzly bears.

The request comes as Senate Bill 295, legislation clarifying how the state will manage grizzlies upon their removal from the Endangered Species Act, makes its way through the Legislature. Grizzlies are listed as a threatened species under the federal act.

While SB 295 directs ranchers who are concerned about a grizzly bear threatening livestock to contact the state wildlife agency for a determination on the appropriate course of action, the legislation also requires the commission to adopt administrative rules prior to the species’ delisting.

“It's a layer of specificity that binds the department towards a specific purpose,” said Greg Lemon, the head of communication and education for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

In light of the legislation, the state agency is asking for the public to weigh in on the request until May 11.

If the commission accepts the request, there will be more opportunity for public input while the rules are developed.

To comment on whether or not the commission should direct the agency to move forward with rule making, go to: https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/commission/june-2023-meeting.

“The whole purpose of all of this is to have as much clarity and certainty in the legal infrastructure for grizzly bear management in place once the animal is delisted,” Lemon said.

Currently, grizzly bears in the lower 48 are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has identified six recovery areas for the animal, four of which are located in Montana. The two most prominent recovery areas are the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which the wildlife agency says has surpassed recovery goals.

According to Montana officials, the Fish and Wildlife Service has indicated that state management plans and regulatory structures are crucial in considering whether to delist the animal or not.

Reporter Kate Heston can be reached at [email protected] or 758-4459.