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JUNE 21, 2001

The Department of Interior on Wednesday announced it was rescinding a controversial plan to reintroduce grizzly bears in Idaho and western Montana.

The plan, which was proposed by the Clinton administration in November, prompted a lawsuit from the state and criticism from Republican lawmakers. It had called for the release of 25 grizzlies in the Bitterroot Mountains, in hopes of restoring their numbers to 280.

Restoration could have taken up to 100 years since bears have a very slow reproductive rate.

There an estimated 1,100 grizzly bears in the lower 48 states. They were once numerous but reduced due to human encroachment and over-hunting.

Get the Story:
Interior Acts to Halt Grizzly Reintroduction to Idaho Wilderness (The Washington Post 6/21)
Interior Dept. Halting Plan for Grizzlies in 2 States (The New York Times 6/21)
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Related Stories:
Idaho officials welcome end to bear plan (4/26)
Post: Norton to shelve bear plan (4/25)
Report: Grizzlies need space (11/24)
Controversial grizzly bear plan announced (11/17)