East Idaho Times

U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, along with Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, have expressed their disapproval of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's recent decision regarding grizzly bear management. The announcement has prompted criticism from Idaho's delegation.

"Grizzly bears are overrunning communities in Idaho, and USFWS’s announcement is yet another example that the Biden administration doesn’t care," stated Senator Risch. He emphasized that several grizzly populations have met recovery targets but believes the federal government has shifted its goals repeatedly. Risch advocates for returning grizzly bear management to state control.

Senator Crapo added his concerns about the current Endangered Species Act (ESA) status of grizzlies, stating it "disregards the successful recovery of the species within its historic range and overlooks scientifically supported, common-sense management practices." He criticized the decision as undermining public confidence in conservation efforts.

Representative Fulcher echoed these sentiments by asserting that states are better suited to manage grizzly populations effectively while addressing community needs. "This current administration has made it a bad habit of attempting to usurp states’ locally-devised solutions," he said.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently denied petitions from Wyoming and Montana seeking to delist certain grizzly bear populations within their states. Idaho officials have consistently advocated for removing ESA protections for grizzlies to implement local solutions aimed at safeguarding communities.