Grizzlies make problem neighbors

U.S. Senator Mike Enzi and Congresswoman Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., introduced the Grizzly Bear State Management Act, on Feb. 28, which directs the Department of the Interior to re-issue its delisting decision and prohibits further judicial review of this decision. "The Grizzly Bear State Management Act stops the abuse of the court system by environmental extremists, safeguards the scientifically proven delisting determination and puts management of the grizzly bear back in the hands of Wyoming," Cheney said. Wyoming isn't the only state dealing with the pesky predator. Trina Jo Bradley said when she was growing up on Dupuyer Creek in Montana bears were common and they had to travel in pairs with the dog if they wanted to leave the yard. "There were several times we had to cut a fishing trip or berry picking excursion short because of the grizzlies," said Bradley, explaining that with bears moving east and onto the plains, bears are now everywhere including on Birch Creek near Valier where she now ranches with her husband. She says it's not uncommon to see 10-15 bears in the summer. "When we fence on the creek, one of us has to carry the fencing tools while the other carries a shotgun and watches for bears. We have to be especially vigilant during calving, especially night checking. Walking into a dark barn is creepy anyway, but when there's a possibility that a grizzly could be waiting inside, it gives me heart palpitations." Bradley says there is a difference between tolerating wildlife while ranching and accommodating wildlife to the point that ranching isn't possible. "Our ranch is home to many different species of wildlife, and we are proud that we can provide a habitat for Montana's animals. On the other hand, we shouldn't have to tolerate those animals that don't respect us. The majority of our grizzlies avoid us, avoid our cows, and are rarely seen. Those are the ones we don't mind sharing our home with." The rancher explains that the problem is the bears that hang out in the yard and aren't scared of the dogs or people, or the ones that prey on cattle, either for food or for fun. "Those are the ones we will not tolerate. Grizzlies need to be removed from the Endangered Species List so control and management can be handled by the state and the people who are on the ground working with ranchers to mitigate conflicts. Until these bears are managed with a firm hand, there is no hope for any of us to be able to live in relative peace with them." Steve Skelton runs cattle near Bynum on the Rocky Mountain front—in what's considered Zone 1 for grizzlies. Because of the proximity to bears and other predators, the Skeltons established Black Bear Guardians, a working guard dog business. "I ranched here for 15 years, before I left for four. We had bears. Did we see bears ever day? No. If you really looked hard for bears you might see one once a week. We leased this place out, were gone four years and came back in the spring of 2017. The bear population had ballooned because the bears are federally protected. It doesn't matter if the bear is in your livestock killing them all, you can't kill that bear; it's a $50,000 fine and five years in jail." Skelton not only worries about livestock but about human safety. "I witnessed my daughter going into her horse barn; she walked through the man door and when she cracked the barn door a grizzly bear ran out through the big sliding door," Skelton said. "We don't go in the yard after dark anymore because the bears are right there. We had one ewe get out and she was killed by a grizzly less than 250 yards from my door. We have a guest cabin that is 250 yards the other way from our door. That's really scary." Skelton said ranchers need to portray that these apex predators have changed our lives. "These predators not only make it economically harder for us, but they make it hard to find common happiness. Things that were once okay, like going out to pick berries and choke cherries, we can't do anymore. The kids used to swim in the creek and they can't do that anymore."...MORE

Rep. Cheney introduced the same bill in the last session of Congress. It was late in the session (9/25/18), so nothing happened, not even a hearing. The R's had been in control of both Houses and the White House for 20 months before she introduced the bill. Now, with the D's in control of the House, it has no chance of becoming law. Another opportunity squandered by the R's when they were in a position to really accomplish something. What changes were made to NEPA, the ESA or the Antiquities Act during the two years the R's controlled the legislative and executive branches of gov't? ZERO