Wyoming Wildlife magazine - 40

Q: How can your experience managing other large carnivores translate to managing grizzly bears?
DT: I think it's an easy, natural transition as we have done all
the on-the-ground aspects of managing grizzlies already. We
know that large carnivore management can bring contentious
issues to the table. You are always going to hear opinions on
the polar opposites of the spectrum, but even some of the
most vocal people I have dealt with generally respect what
we do because of the integrity and honesty of our approach.
We cannot please everyone, and we say that up front. I often
say it's not all rainbows and puppy dogs. It's more about
people management rather than working with the animals.
The state of Wyoming is fortunate to have an intact large
carnivore guild, meaning the same species that were here
more than 1,000 years ago are still here. These iconic species
bring with them additional public interest and controversy.
We work with wolves, mountain lions and black bears, and
our interactions with the public have demonstrated that we
can be proactive and react to situations as we need. We have
demonstrated that we can use science and the data we collect
to refute some of the biases and polarized nature of issues.
Q: How do sportspeople contribute to grizzly conservation?
DT: Ninety percent of the money spent annually on grizzly bear conservation is through sportsperson dollars. This
funding comes from hunting licenses, conservation stamps
and fishing licenses. That is how you help.
It's important to note that everyone has a voice in wildlife management, including nonhunters. There is a lot of
divisiveness when it comes to hunting grizzly bears, and
some folks try to compartmentalize consumptive vs. nonconsumptive or whether you have a voice or you don't. I
disagree with that. When it comes to how we manage the
population, we do listen to everyone and consider a variety
of viewpoints. Just because we listen, doesn't mean we always
agree with everything.
Hunters also contribute to the grizzly bear population by
leaving behind gut piles or the nonedible portions of their
harvest in the field. From a caloric standpoint, what's left
on the ground is important to grizzly bears and helps them
stock up on fat stores before hibernation.
DB: They contribute greatly. First, through financial support
of the agency through license sales and things like that.
Hunters and anglers in Wyoming and all around the country
often have the most at stake and most invested in wildlife
populations and management. They often bring about the
general public interest of many wildlife species. They're
crucial to carrying the message forward for the state agencies.

40 | December 2020

A Wyoming Game and Fish Department employee prepares a radio collar to be fitted to a
grizzly bear. Radio collar locations provide insight into daily activities of grizzly bears. The
collars generally stay on the bear for a few years before being shed. (WGFD photo)

Ninety percent of the
money spent annually on grizzly
bear conservation is through
sportsperson dollars.

Large carnivore biologists for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department take numerous
measurements and biological samples from every grizzly bear handled, such as this paw
measurement. Data from each bear provides insight into the population status in Wyoming.
(WGFD photo)

Wyoming Wildlife magazine

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