It is terrible what is happening in the natural landscape of Yellowstone, Wyoming, where wildlife experts are recording a very high mortality rate among grizzly bears. The phenomenon, already sadly known, not only does not seem to stop but rather could break a new record.
In fact, 2025 could become the year with the highest number of deceased specimens, and there are still 2 months left to take stock. The numbers, however, do not suggest anything positive. At least 63 grizzlies were found dead, of which over 15 in September.
Monitoring this alarming situation is the staff ofInteragency Grizzly Bear Study Teaman organization that deals with the protection and conservation of the grizzly and its habitat in the region Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and in the western United States. The annual reports mark the progress of a population in danger now more than ever during the months of hibernation.
What’s happening in Yellowstone
In Yellowstone National Park, grizzlies continue to die before the eyes of biologists, scientists and foresters. From the data collected in the region, over 70 individuals are estimated to have disappeared throughout 2024, of which 56 in the same time period examined. This year, however, already at the end of the summer, we are talking about 7 more specimens.
Although grizzlies are distributed throughout northwestern Wyoming, these iconic bears are listed as threatened under theEndangered Species Act, but their protection is continually hampered.
The main causes of this death
As confirmed by the interdisciplinary group ofInteragency Grizzly Bear Study Teamalmost 85% of all documented mortality cases involve humans. We are the primary cause of this shocking bear death. Directly or indirectly, the responsibility is ours.
In fact, it is during the moose hunting period that the greatest conflicts with wildlife and with grizzlies in particular occur. The hunting exercise leads to direct clashes with plantigrades, exterminated by shotguns together with black bears.
Then there are road investments, responsible for fatal accidents in the most crucial points crossed by wildlife. A collision caused the death of the famous Grizzly 399 bear, the oldest in the world.
Other factors also impact grizzly population growth, dealing a further blow to conservation and recovery efforts for the species. Among these, climate change should be mentioned with dry seasons in which food is scarce, forcing grizzlies to venture into more anthropized and risky territories.
The future of grizzlies
Despite the efforts made in over 40 years of actions and wildlife management, the reports indicate a critical situation for grizzly bears. Faced with this scenario, various solutions have been put forward. Among these there is the possibility of delineating a distinct population segment to apply greater protection measures in crucial areas for the species.
The proposal covers the territories of Washington State and parts of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, the six grizzly bear recovery areas in the United States and their connecting areas, as well as the boundaries designated for the experimental population in Washington State and around British Columbia
Will all this be needed to reduce the mortality rate and guarantee a more peaceful future for these splendid animals?
Sources: USGS – US Fish and Wild service
