Future Distribution 



FWP expects grizzly bear distribution to continue to increase. Preferred approaches to managing 

 movement of grizzly bears into new areas include: 



> FWP views habitat linkage as providing opportunities for bears to naturally reoccupy suitable, but 

 unoccupied habitat, and will continue to work with Idaho, Canada, and the IGBC to address this 

 issue. 



> Areas of potential focus to address linkage problems with movement of bears are the Bitterroot and 

 other intermountain valleys in western Montana, including the Evaro area. Highways 2, 93, and 200 

 and Interstate 90. 



Current data indicate that the distribution of bears in western Montana is increasing. The most recent 

 review of the distribution of grizzly bears in western Montana, conducted by the IGBC, demonstrated 

 occupancy well beyond the recovery zones (see Figure 2). These boundaries should, however, be 

 interpreted as an approximation, and additional supportive evidence should be considered when making 

 judgments about occupied habitat near the edge. 



Based on current programs, both within and outside the recovery zones, it is expected that range 

 expansion will continue during the period covered by this plan. FWP recognizes that distribution 

 changes beyond the recover)' zones as well as adjacent habitats may occur at a somewhat slower pace. It 

 is FWPs intent, however, to implement this management plan so that expansion in distribution will 

 continue. If the expected increase in distribution does not occur, FWP will consider translocation of non- 

 conflict animals into suitable habitats to support distribution increases. In accordance with Montana 

 statute (MCA 87-5-711), prior to any such decision the Commission would determine if such management 

 achon was warranted, based upon scientific investigation and after a public hearing. This approach is 

 consistent with that used for all of the species FWP manages. 



There is currently a great deal of discussion and work aimed at addressing and defining "population 

 linkage." The potential for this to occur is demonstrated by various assessments of habitat, which are 

 ongoing and, evidenced by the information our agency provides the public on areas, where even today 

 there is the possibility of encountering a grizzly bear (Figure 10). 



The IGBC has created three linkage-zone task forces to further address this issue. Generally, a linkage 

 zone is an area between two areas of habitat where animals can live at certain seasons and where they can 

 find the security thev need to move between these areas. Linkage zones are broad areas of seasonal 

 habitat where animals can find food, shelter, and security. The long-term health of populations of 

 carnivores will benefit from linkage and population interaction at broader levels. These linkage areas can 

 likely serve multiple carnivore species as well as other wildlife species such as ungulates. Dramatic 

 changes are currently occurring in the remaining possible linkage areas due to ongoing human 

 development and the time to maintain connection opportunities in some areas is growing short. A 

 linkage zone, however, is not a "corridor". 



A corridor implies an area just used for travel however movement between ecosystems by carnivores 

 rarely if ever occurs this way. For carnivores to move between ecosystems, they require habitats that can 

 support their feeding and behavioral needs in these adjacent areas. As such, linkage zones are areas that 

 will support low-density carnivore populations often as seasonal residents. Several models attempt to 

 address this issue. These include, for example, those developed by the American Wildlands "Corridors of 



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