Defenders' Experts
Introduction to Guidelines
2005 marked the 30th anniversary for the protection of the grizzly bear under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In three decades, the grizzly bear population has slowly grown to more than 1,000 animals across much of this species’ former range in the region. As we celebrate the success of this program, Defenders is proud of our long-term accomplishments that are helping restore grizzly bears to the lower 48. As of January of 2007, Defenders of Wildlife has voluntarily contributed more than $140,000 in compensation for livestock losses to grizzly bears in the northern Rockies through the Defenders of Wildlife Grizzly Bear Compensation Trust. Additionally, we have invested more than $270,000 in preventative approaches and assistance to livestock owners since the establishment of the Defenders of Wildlife Foundation Proactive Carnivore Conservation Fund in 1999. Traditional lethal control programs provide only short-term results with respect to livestock protection. Nonlethal deterrents and proactive livestock husbandry methods help reduce depredations and the conflicts that often result from livestock and grizzly bear losses.
Our philosophy is to work in harmony with livestock owners and other stakeholders to find mutually beneficial solutions toward grizzly bear and human co-existence. We have established a livestock producer advisory council to help us evaluate and adapt these programs to meet changing needs while providing meaningful assistance in the best interest of grizzly bears and residents in the region.
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