Time for the Grizzly?
New film highlights ways to restore North Cascades grizzly bears
Last month, the National Park Service and other agencies released draft proposals for restoring the struggling grizzly bear population in Washington's North Cascades. Although grizzlies have lived in the region for thousands of years and high-quality habitat remains abundant, biologists estimate that fewer than ten remain, making it the most at-risk bear population in North America.
A public comment period on restoration strategies is now open through March 14, 2017. For conservationists who have long sought to reverse the slow decline of grizzlies in the North Cascades, this is welcome news, and a historic opportunity. Our scientists are evaluating these restoration alternatives, and we'll soon share suggested comments and more information on public meetings.
But just how do we restore these iconic animals? A new 13-minute film, Time for the Grizzly?, tells the story of grizzly bear recovery in Montana’s Cabinet Mountains through the lens of ecologist and bear expert Chris Morgan (PBS, BBC, National Geographic). Grizzly recovery in the Cabinet Mountains, done through science and community involvement, could serve as a model for the North Cascades.