Opposes griz hunting

Concerning the future of grizzly bears in the Lower 48, I’d like to address an issue of great concern to myself and others in this great state and country of ours.

I have lived in Montana since 1983 and now 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 today to voice my concerns regarding the future of grizzlies. It has come to my attention that 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 Act 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 actively made to open a sport hunting season following such action.

Yes, there are currently viable populations of these bears in and around Glacier and Yellowstone parks, but few exist elsewhere in the Lower 48. 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 the many 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.

True recovery to me would 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 the House Committee on Natural Resources in Washington, D.C. gives this issue full consideration and review, and that concerned citizens in Montana and elsewhere stand up and fight for this magnificent species. Grizzly bears add a critical element to the character of wilderness and nature in general and require and deserve continued protection. Without that, true recovery will never occur.

Tom Petrillo

Essex