Montana officials and federal leaders announced a proposal July 15 that would return most day-to-day management of grizzly bears to state agencies while keeping the species listed under the Endangered Species Act in the lower 48 states.
The announcement was made in Gallatin County with U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and Gov. Greg Gianforte standing alongside the governors of Idaho and Wyoming. Montana officials framed the step as recognition that grizzly populations have rebounded in parts of the West.
“Grizzly bears have recovered and far exceeded every federal recovery benchmark.”
What changes for Montana residents
If finalized, the proposal would transfer authorities that now rest with federal wildlife agencies to state wildlife management programs for affected areas. State officials would then lead on issues such as conflict mitigation, livestock protections and some aspects of population management.
The Interior Department plans to publish the proposed rule in the Federal Register on July 17, and a formal public comment period will follow. According to agency guidance, public comments will be accepted through Aug. 17, 2026.
- Publication in Federal Register: July 17, 2026
- Public comment period: open through Aug. 17, 2026
- Status of listing: grizzly bears would remain listed in the lower 48 under the Endangered Species Act
Officials and concerns
Gov. Gianforte said the shift would not permit a hunting season for grizzlies. The proposal comes amid broader changes affecting the Endangered Species Act, including a recent Interior action that removed the regulatory definition of “harm,” a term tied to protections for listed species.
Federal officials say the proposal recognizes recovery gains. Conservation groups, livestock advocates and rural communities will weigh in during the comment period. Montana residents can submit feedback once the notice appears in the Federal Register.
| Action | Date |
|---|---|
| Federal Register publication | July 17, 2026 |
| Public comment deadline | Aug. 17, 2026 |
Local wildlife managers will monitor how the proposal, if finalized, would change permitting, enforcement and coordination with federal land agencies that still oversee significant habitat. For now, the listing status in the lower 48 remains unchanged, and the formal rulemaking process will determine the scope and timing of any transfer of authority.
Officials from the Interior Department and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are expected to provide more details as the rulemaking proceeds. Residents and stakeholders should watch the Federal Register notice for instructions on how to submit comments during the 30-day period.
Reporting from Gallatin County.
