• Program development and implementation must be guided by the best scientific information 



available and continuing research needs to be an integral part of this plan. As such, the plan must be 

 flexible in nahjre, allowing updated scientific data to be integrated and appropriate adjustments 

 made over time. 



A. CONFLICT MANAGEMENT 



Humans and grizzly bears occasionally come into conflict in areas where they encounter one another. 

 FWPs objective is to maximize human safety and minimize losses to property while maintaining viable 

 populations of grizzly bears. Accordingly, preferred approaches to managing grizzly bear conflict in 

 western Montana include: 



> FWP will focus immediate conflict management action in areas already occupied by grizzly bears, i.e. 

 Northern Continental Divide, Cabinet-Yaak, and surrounding areas. 



V Major emphasis will be placed on educating people about safety measures and preventing conflicts. 



> FWP will attempt to minimize the number of bears removed from the population as a result of 

 conflict situations. This will also be the case if this population is de-listed. 



> FWP will consider the actions and potential impacts of programs in Canada and Idaho when 

 determining our response. 



> FWP, in cooperation with land management agencies and the USFWS, will determine appropriate 

 conflict status and response based on established Interagency Grizzly Bear Guidelines. Conflict 

 grizzly bears will be controlled in a practical, timely, and effective manner. Location, cause of 

 incident, severity of incident, history of bear, health/age/sex of bear and demographic characteristics 

 of animals involved will all be considered in any management action. 



> A cost-sharing program aimed at preventative work will be developed as a way of encouraging a 

 variety of interest groups to work together with FWP to minimize problems and increase tolerance 

 for bears. 



Within western Montana, conflicts have increased as the bear population increases in both numbers and 

 distribution. Such incidents vary greatly on an annual basis. Considering the number of people who 

 live, work, and recreate in the region, it is important to note that overall there have been minimal 

 conflicts. Nevertheless, conflict or "problem" bears that are not managed successfully may threaten 

 support for the entire grizzly bear program. When bear problems are not adequately addressed, there are 

 negative consequences for the individual bear, the public, and the reputation of grizzlies in general is 

 damaged. 



The focus of grizzly bear conflict management inside and outside the recovery zones will be predicated 

 on strategies and actions aimed at preventing grizzly bearA^uman conflicts as well as providing a 

 management framework that is quick to respond to conflicts when they arise. In addition, any 

 management will be conservative and will continue to provide the female segment of the grizzly bear 

 population with additional protections. 



In some areas, successful cost-sharing programs are currently in place. An example is the partnership 

 that exists between the FWP Foundation and the Wind River Bear Institute (WRBl). The WRBl receives 

 vital support, including funding, from the FWP Foundation to implement its "Partners in Life" Program. 

 FWP recognizes the importance of these partnerships and will continue to work to develop additional 

 such programs. 



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