Grizzly Bear Trapping Underway in Gallatin National Forest

BOZEMAN ▪ LIVINGSTON ▪ GARDINER - As part of ongoing efforts required under the Endangered Species Act to monitor the population of grizzly bears in the Yellowstone Ecosystem, the USGS would like to inform the public that pre-baiting and scientific trapping operations will be conducted in the Gallatin National Forest, Montana. Biologists, with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST), will be in the following areas during July through August:

• Drainages associated with the southern end of Gallatin Crest, Gallatin National Forest

• Southwestern corner of the Absaroka Range, Gallatin National Forest

• Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness south of the Boulder Divide, Gallatin National

Forest

Whenever bear trapping activities are being conducted for scientific purposes, the area around the site will be posted with bright warning signs to inform the public of the activities occurring. These signs are posted along the major access points to the trapping site. It is critical that all members of the public heed these signs and do not venture in to the closure area.

Monitoring of grizzly bear distribution and other activities are vital to ongoing recovery of grizzlies in the Yellowstone Ecosystem. Trapping operations can include a variety of activities. In order to attract bears, biologists utilize natural food sources such as fresh road-killed deer and elk. Potential trapping sites are baited with these natural foods and if indications are that grizzly bears are in the area, traps will be used to capture the bears. Once trapped, the bears are handled in accordance with strict protocols developed by the IGBST.

For more information regarding grizzly bear trapping efforts call 406-994-6675.