

Is there a better way to manage grizzly bears?
4 snips Aug 8, 2025
Chris Servine, a seasoned grizzly bear recovery coordinator, and Dan Thompson, the large carnivore supervisor for Wyoming, dive into the complex intersection of grizzly bear conservation and local ranching. They discuss the implications of possibly delisting grizzlies from the endangered species list, addressing rising tensions between wildlife and agricultural interests. The guests also explore conservation strategies and the political challenges that shape wildlife management, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that considers both bear populations and human activities.
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Nighttime Calf Killings
- Koch described the sound of bears killing calves as horrifying and traumatic.
- He said riders sometimes have to wait for wildlife officers to run bears off.
Livestock Losses Threaten Ranch Viability
- Meghna Chakrabarti said grizzlies killed 91 cattle last year in Koch's region, over 10% of local cattle.
- Koch said compensation rarely covers lost value, health impacts, and extra paperwork.
Listing Prevented Local Extinction
- Chris Servine said grizzlies were federally protected in 1975 when populations dropped to about 200.
- He argued listing prevented local extinctions and enabled recovery around Yellowstone.