Third International Conference on Bears PART III. MANAGEMENT OF BEARS AND TECHNIQUES Paper 16 Managing Montana's Grizzlies for the Grizzlies!

• Main Author: Kenneth R. Greer
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ursus arctos
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.603.3051; http://www.bearbiology.com/fileadmin/tpl/Downloads/URSUS/Vol_3/Greer_Vol_3.pdf

The grizzly bear, Ursus arctos horribilis, evokes varied reactions in different people, and various values are embodied in this species. It may be viewed as a symbol of a heritage of adventure and freedom; something to be maintained at maximum densities compatible with good forestry practices and recreation, but with optimal annual harvests; a part of the western mountain wilderness concept; a coveted big game trophy; a species that cannot be maintained at for-mer densities; one that is in conflict with human expansion; a potential threat to life; and many other intensely personal images. National publicity on grizzly bears in Yellowstone National Park since 1968, has resulted in a general doomsday image for this species. Conflicting views of its population status and of management programs within the Park have greatly influenced management of bears in the adjacent areas of Montana, Idaho and Wyoming, as well as of the distinctly separated (and probably larger) grizzly populations in northwestern Montana. While several questions are involved in the management controversy, the basic issue concerns population size. At