option. Relocated bears often return or cause problems in another area and ultimately have to be 

 destroyed. 



Hunting To Address Human Safety Concerns 



FWP believes hunting can play a role in addressing human safety issues. FWP therefore prefers 

 to include this tool in the management program. Properly conducted hunting programs can 

 impact the behavior of the hunted population, making them wary of people. This occurs by 

 changing the hunted animals' behavior making them avoid people. Over time it also provides a 

 selective pressure, at low levels, on animals that exhibit behaviors such as a lack of wariness that 

 makes individuals vulnerable to hunters. This results in a more wary population over time. It 

 also promotes survival and acceptance of potentially dangerous animals by those directly 

 impacted by the presence of grizzly bears. The avoidance behaviors hunted animals exhibit may 

 be unfamiliar to some people, but FWP's experience with managing wildlife indicates they are 

 real. One example is to notice how easily elk are approached in Yellowstone National Park and 

 how difficult it is to get as close to them where they are hunted. These avoidance behaviors 

 include fleeing, hiding, or being active when people are not, all of which will promote better 

 acceptance of grizzlies. Other reasons for hunting as part of the program are discussed later in 

 the plan. 



Habitat/Habitat Monitoring/Management of Human Use of Bear Habitat 



This management plan recommends coordinated monitoring of major grizzly bear food sources 

 and consulting with land management agencies on issues related to grizzly bear habitat 

 protection, disturbance, and mitigation. It is important to note that these efforts benefit many 

 species in addition to bears. 



> FWP will continue to cooperate with other members of the IGBST in a coordinated effort to 

 collect and analyze habitat data. 



> FWP will work with land management agencies to monitor habitat changes in a manner 

 consistent with its overall approaches for all other managed species. 



> FWP will continue to use statewide habitat programs to conserve key wildlife habitats in 

 southwestern Montana. 



> FWP will identify and monitor whitebark pine, moth aggregation sites if identified, and other 

 key foods such as ungulate population levels. 



> FWP will recommend that land-management agencies manage for an open-road density of 

 one mile or less per square mile of habitat consistent with FWP's statewide Elk Management 

 Plan guidelines. 



> FWP will support keeping existing inventoried roadless areas in a roadless state and work 

 with local groups and land managers to identify areas where roads could be reclaimed. 



> FWP will work with the Department of Transportation to address wildlife crossing needs on 

 their projects. An MOU or other agreement may be developed to provide guidelines to 

 enhance the ability of bears and other wildlife to cross roads. 



> FWP will monitor coal bed methane activities, and other oil and gas projects, and address 

 grizzly bear needs in these permitting processes. 



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