Grizzly Bear Numbers Hit New High in Yellowstone Region

Grizzly bear numbers in and around Yellowstone National Park have hit their highest level in decades, driving increased conflicts with humans as some bears push out of deep wilderness and into populated areas. Scientists from a multi-agency research team announced Wednesday that at least 603 grizzlies now roam the Yellowstone area of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. That's more than three times the number in 1975, when hunting was outlawed and the species placed on the endangered list. But more bears also means more run-ins with humans -- although bear biologists are quick to point out that visitors to the region are more likely to die in a vehicle crash than a grizzly mauling. Two people have been killed by grizzlies in the Yellowstone region this year: one west of Cody, Wyo., and another near Cooke City, Mont...more