... and save a life
Greater Yellowstone grizzlies are at great risk of becoming a trophy on someone’s wall. We are fighting to keep them alive so they can be enjoyed by all.
Actions
Despite what the U.S. Fish and Wildlife says, grizzly bears are not fully recovered in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. In fact, they still face many threats. Their populations could drop dramatically due to threats to their food sources, loss of habitat, no connectivity to other grizzly populations, and conflicts with humans. In 2018 alone, over 71 bears were killed. The leading causes of death were encounters and conflicts with big game hunters and livestock-related conflicts.
Petition to the State of Wyoming
WWA, along with several other conservation organizations, filed a petition to the state of Wyoming to require hunters to carry bear spray. Bear spray has been proven in numerous studies to be the most effective defense against an attacking bear. The best part is that the bear and human both survive and the bear learns that humans are a threat.
We are the Voice for Bears
The state of Wyoming has made it clear that they think they deserve to hunt bears because they have spent funds toward recovery. With over 71 bears dead in 2018 alone and the number of conflicts increasing, hunting is not warranted. There is no scientific data to show that hunting bears will lead to fewer conflicts. Instead, conflict prevention measures have been proven effective time and time again at reducing conflicts as well as bear deaths. We are educating the public on non-lethal coexistence techniques and are present at important management meetings to speak for you and the bears. They don’t have a voice, but we do.
Why Grizzlies Shouldn't Be Hunted
Grizzly bears are not only an important keystone species, they are a cultural icon and valued part of the wilderness that people from coast to coast want to preserve. Many people will never see a bear in the wild, but are happy just knowing they exist. Native Americans see the grizzly as a sacred relative and would consider it a crime against their culture to see them hunted. Trophy hunting is no longer tolerated by society and attitudes toward wildlife are changing. Mutualist views are overtaking traditionalist views as people see humans as part of a functioning ecosystem with wildlife having intrinsic value. To senselessly hunt a magnificent animal just to put a rug on your floor will not, and cannot, be allowed.