Tester Statement on Grizzly Bear Delisting

Following the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announcement of a twelve month study period on delisting grizzly bears in Montana, United States Senator Jon Tester issued the following statement:

“Defending Montana’s outdoor heritage and wildlife is critically important to our way of life – and that starts with following the best available science. After decades of collaborative work between federal, state, local, and Tribal groups, we’ve seen grizzly bears in Montana come back from the brink of extinction, and that’s something to celebrate. FWS took a step in the right direction today, which is a testament to the strength of grizzly populations in Montana. Now state government needs to develop science-based management plans to ensure success, and I’ll hold the Biden Administration’s feet to the fire to provide support.”