Where we stand on Hunting
For the Love of Bears works to safeguard the future for bears and the critical ecosystems they call home. Depending on the species, bears can be very adaptive creatures, capable of thriving in a wide range of habitats. This requires us to work together with various communities to support and aid their relationships with bears. In some cases, this includes local hunting programs. We are not opposed to scientifically sound, ethical, and sustainable hunting programs that do not compromise the future of a species’ survival. For the Love of Bears believes that such programs should be strictly managed and enforced not only to ensure the future of the species but also to ensure ethical, humane hunting practices, and to stimulate local conservation efforts and communities.
Delisting Grizzly Bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
After careful consideration we believe that delisting grizzly bears from the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) and allowing hunting could have a number of negative consequences that should be carefully considered.
First, it is important to note that the grizzly bear population in the GYE is still relatively small and vulnerable. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, there were only about 1,061 grizzly bears in the GYE in 2021 (see our blog post on the issues with the new counting methods). This population has been growing in recent years, but it is still well below its historical levels.
Allowing hunting of grizzly bears could have a significant impact on this fragile population. Even a small number of bears killed by hunters could have a big impact on the overall population, especially given the low reproductive rate of grizzly bears.
Finally, delisting grizzly bears from the ESA could also have negative consequences for the ecosystem as a whole. Grizzly bears are an apex predator, meaning they play an important role in keeping populations of other animals in check. Without grizzly bears, populations of other animals, such as elk and deer, could increase, which could have negative impacts on vegetation and other aspects of the ecosystem.