Zinke Slams Feds for Reintroduction of Grizzlies into the Bitterroot

Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke released the following statement regarding the announcement by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to relocate grizzlies into Montana’s Bitterroot region.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke released the following statement regarding the announcement by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to relocate grizzlies into Montana’s Bitterroot region.

“Establishing an experimental population of grizzlies in the bitterroot ecosystem is unwise and unwarranted. Grizzlies are already expanding from the surrounding ecosystems into the area without reintroduction. Why? Because the Greater Yellowstone bear population is beyond carrying capacity and the bears need more habitat. Yet the Biden Interior Department refuses to acknowledge these basic facts. 

Introducing Grizzlies to the Bitterroot will result in increased community and agency conflict, and increased litigation. This is another plan for the government to control logging, rivers, roads, railways and anything else they can get their red tape on. If the bears decide to get there on their own, they should be allowed to remain. But the establishment of an experimental population is just another way to combat the science that says grizzlies should be delisted.”