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Idaho Panel Backs Delisting of Grizzly Bears

By Beacon Staff

BOISE, Idaho — Idaho wildlife officials are urging the federal government to remove grizzly bears from the endangered species list.

The Idaho Fish and Game Commission voted in favor of delisting during its meeting last week, saying the state is in a better position to manage the species.

The commission approved a position statement that asserts the grizzly population have increased enough in core areas and warrant delisting.

Commissioners say prolonged protection for grizzly bears in Idaho is counterproductive to building and maintaining support for a healthy population.

Idaho has a couple of areas inhabited by grizzly bears, including eastern Idaho and the Yellowstone population and northern Idaho along the Montana border.