The Conservation Biology Alternative for Grizzly Bear Population Restoration
in the Greater Salmon-Selway Region Central Idaho and Western Montana

III. LEGAL STATUS OF GRIZZLY BEARS IN THE SALMON-SELWAY REGION

(a)Legal Status--Under this alternative, grizzly bears in this region will maintain their current legal status as a threatened species under the provisions of the federal Endangered Species Act. They will be managed in a manner consistent with grizzly bear management programs in other bear population recovery areas (such as the Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem areas). Leading grizzly bear researchers believe that a small population of grizzly bears still exists in this region (Jonkel, pers. comm.) and numerous sightings have been documented over the years. Melquist (1985) reviewed 88 grizzly bear observations in the Clearwater National Forest and concluded that at least a few grizzlies probably continue to occupy the area. Likewise, Groves (1987) reviewed grizzly reports from central and northern Idaho, including 86 reports south of Interstate 90, and concluded that a small number of grizzlies likely inhabits the area.

If the biological analysis of potential source areas outlined in Section 10 identifies bears which are available for translocation into the Salmon-Selway region, these bears will be considered an augmentation to the existing population and will also be classified as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.

Section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act provides for experimental populations of wildlife protected under the Act. However, such experimental populations must be completely separated from other populations and be geographically separate as well. Research has documented at least one radio-collared grizzly bear has denned within the proposed analysis area, sightings of grizzly bears persist, and an established grizzly bear recovery zone is less than 40 air miles away. For these reasons, an experimental, non-essential population designation does not meet the criteria of Section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act and it is therefore an inappropriate designation for this area.

(b)Management--The grizzly bears within the population recovery zone shall be managed in a manner consistent with management of other threatened grizzly bear populations in the Northern Rockies. Problem bears which come into contact with human settlements, livestock, campgrounds, and human foods or garbage shall be trapped and relocated to roadless areas. Control of problem bears shall be in accordance with 50 CFR 17.40 and the Interagency Grizzly Bear Management Guidelines. Decision-making regarding possible control actions shall be the responsibility of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may enter into cooperative agreements with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, & Parks which would allow these agencies to carry out control actions when necessary.

(c)Response Time--In the event of conflicts between bears and humans and/or livestock, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and/or state fish and game management agencies shall respond within 24 hours from the time of notification of the conflict and shall take appropriate measures such as initiation of live-trapping efforts and relocation of problem bears.

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