Grizzlies approach capacity in region

Recently, social media has been flooded with posts about Grizzly 399 and the accident that occurred on Tuesday, Oct. 22.

Unfortunately, this accident has been met with hateful comments from different community members and animal lovers alike.

The gentleman collided with 399 was not at fault according to Lincoln County Sheriff’s Patrol Lt. John Stetzenbach. The man was traveling from Jackson at about 10:30 p.m. maintaining the posted speed of 55 mph.

While the death of the grizzly is sad for many, there is no denying that this was purely an accident.

With that being said, what does this accident bring to light? Is it time we look at the population of grizzlies in the Greater Yellowstone region (yes, this is ongoing) and determine if we are at a point of de-listing them from the federal list of threatened species (currently, a tier down from endangered)?

Since 1975, when the bear was put on the endangered species list, its numbers have only grown. However, some argue that in certain areas (there are six recovery zones) grizzlies have not met the population targets, thus not allowing de-listing.

Now, according to Jackson Hole News&Guide, other grizzlies had been active in the Snake River Canyon during the time of the accident which begs the question of whether or not this is normal or new behavior in that area. Is overpopulation a concern?

At some point, grizzlies will be functioning at full capacity in all zones, if they aren’t already. Then we will have to face the facts of population control and what that means in the Greater Yellowstone region. Were the accident and the recent sightings in the canyon telltale signs of what’s to come? Time will tell.